During a discussion in the Gujarat Assembly on repeated instances of Pakistani Marine Security Agency capturing Gujarati fishermen and their boats, Congress MLA Arjun Modhwadia pointed out that the Indian fishing boats that are returned by Pakistan are “punished” by revoking the boat’s “diesel pass”. When asked if the fisheries department of the state plans to discontinue the practice, Raghavji Patel, State Minister for Fisheries, said, “We will discuss and take an appropriate decision regarding the punishment. After all, this sector provides a lot of employment and also contributes in a big way to exports.” Parrying Question Raising the issue of stray cattle in public places during the ongoing budget session of Gujarat Assembly, Congress MLA Geniben Thakor earlier this week asked the state government whether it plans to follow the Chattishgarh government and buy cow dung from farmers. Deviating from the question, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel replied that the state is already producing fertiliser and gas through the “Gobardhan” project, where cow dung is being used.
