Centre harbouring grudge against AP?

Modi govt rules out modernisation of Visakhapatnam fishing harbour

New Delhi/ Visakhapatnam: In yet another blow to the aspirations of Andhra Pradesh, the Centre has categorically rejected the proposal for modernisation works of fishing harbour in Visakhapatnam. The proposal was made by the state government of AP in 2017.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought funds under the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme which requires a commitment to meet 50 per cent of the funds by the sponsoring or organising agency. 

The Centre, which was dilly-dallying all through, has categorically stated that the project has not been considered on account of certain deficiencies. However, it has not clarified what were the deficiencies. It has not even asked the state government to reframe or restructure the proposal too.

This was stated by Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry C R Chaudhary in the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question of YSRCP MP, Vijaysai Reddy on Wednesday.

Chaudhary stated that the proposal was vetted by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).

The Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour is planned to be modernised with world-class facilities by spending Rs 40 crore promised by the Centre.