Udupi: New industrial zones and women empowerment plans

Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar announced plans for new industrial zones in Udupi district's Uppuru, Yelluru, Santhru, Kerebettu, Shivapura, and Nitte villages, with over 1,000 acres inspected across these areas. The government assessed 100 acres in Uppuru, Brahmavar taluk, and 941.98 acres in Yellur and Santhur villages, Kaup taluk, for industrial use. Additionally, 113.59 acres in Kerebettu and Shivapura villages, Hebri taluk, and 50.42 acres in Nitte village, Karkala taluk, were acquired.Hebbalkar shared that up to two acres of farmland can be used for industrial purposes without land conversion, following amendments to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, of 1964.The Minister also mentioned the formation of a task force to enhance tourism in Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada coastal districts.In the realm of fisheries, Udupi district achieved 0.265 million tonnes of fish production worth ₹2,063 crore during 2022-23, ranking second in the state. The interest-free bank loan limit for fisherwomen has been raised from ₹50,000 to ₹0.3 million. Subsidized diesel sales for fishing boats have been increased, and engine upgrades will receive a ₹50,000 subsidy.Regarding women's empowerment, Hebbalkar noted that the Shakti scheme provided free bus travel to 11,14,487 women in government buses in the Udupi district. The Gruha Lakshmi scheme witnessed remarkable enrollment, with over 73% of eligible women-headed households in the district registering. Additionally, the Gruha Jyothi scheme offers free electricity to eligible domestic consumers.