The state government is considering transferring a part of fuel subsidy of fishermen to consumers in order to provide cheaper fish to people. Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar on Tuesday said that despite subsidy to the tune of Rs 108 crore in the last five years, Goans do not get fish at affordable rates in the local markets, as a major part of the fish catch is being exported. Palyekar said that he, along with department officials, will look thoughtfully into cutting down the fuel subsidy given to trawlers and pass on the same allotted amount directly to consumers through the proposed Goa Fishing Corporation. Out of the Rs 108 crore given to fishermen in various forms of subsidies in the last five years, Rs 83 crore was spent on fuel and Value Added Tax subsidies to the fishermen and yet Goans have been deprived of fish at reasonable rates, while a major catch is exported outside Goa. If this continues, what is the use of giving them subsidies, said Palyekar. I have asked my department to review the subsidies, as fish is going out of Goa. If things don’t improve, funds would be diverted towards Goa Fishing Corporation. I have already moved a note for formation of Goa Fishing Corporation, which was our election promise too. It would take almost 9 to 12 months to form the Corporation, he said. According to the financial statement of the department, Rs 21.17 crore was given as financial assistance for the purchase of fuel and Rs 61.30 crore was provided as financial assistance on Goa Value Added Tax (VAT) to the fishermen from the year 2012-13 to 2016-17. Meanwhile, Palyekar has assured the traditional fishermen that he would soon come out with a strict mechanism along with patrolling vessels to crack down on rampant illegal fishing by mini purse-seine boats in River Zuari. He said, There should not be any political interference if action is initiated against people, who are found violating the rules and regulations laid down by the department.