Local self-government (LSGs) bodies are not required to repay the amount received for renovating fish markets and outlets in the state. A meeting of officials from the fisheries, local-self government, and finance departments decided to waive money spent on renovations costing less than Rs 5 crore.
The government allocated Rs 131.81 crore through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to regulate street vendors and renovate markets selling fish. Initially, the aim was to disburse the funds as loans to local governments. However, due to the local governments’ financial situation, the decision was made to waive the payment.
With the help of KIIFB, Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation Limited (KSCADC) is tasked to renovate 51 fish markets in various local bodies across the state. The markets will have stalls, with a slab and sink for cutting and cleaning fish, attached with a clog-proof drain, in addition to a wastewater treatment plant. Further, there will be a cold storage facility for storing fish. In major markets, restrooms and toilets will be installed for sellers.