(a) whether it is a fact that fishermen are not getting the benefits of the rebate on High Speed Diesel (HSD) oil;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has decided to remove the BPL condition for fishermen; and
(d) if so, the time by which the said decision is likely to be implemented?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a) & (b): During the 10th Five Year Plan, a rebate on High Speed Diesel (HSD) oil at the rate of ?1.50 per litre was provided to the mechanized fishing vessels under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Development of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure and Post Harvest Operations. The Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries intended to continue the scheme during the 11th Plan with enhanced subsidy from ?1.50 per litre to ?3 per litre. While approving the revised scheme in February, 2009, it was directed that such subsidy should be provided only to fishers of Below Poverty Line (BPL).
(c ) & (d) : The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries has proposed removal of the BPL condition during the 12th Plan, which is subject to necessary approvals.