(a) whether the Government of Andhra Pradesh sought exemption of royalty and licence fee payable to the Ministry of Telecommunications on very High Frequency Radio Sets/Shore Communications Stations used by fishermen; and
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto and the relief proposed to be given to the fishermen in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The Ministry of Communications charges a licence fee of Rs. 100/- and royalty of Rs. 4800/- per annum per link for communication over a distance of 50 to 60 KMs. But for fishing vessels, only Rs. 250/- per annum per vessel as licence fee (no royalty), which is quite moderate, is charged for issue of Maritime Mobile Station licence.