Will follow in my parents' footsteps, ensure unblemished record: Pramod Madhwaraj

Bengaluru: Taking criticism by former ministers on his elevation in his stride, newly appointed minister for youth affairs and fisheries, Mr Pramod Madhwaraj said that he would work on the lines of his parents and ensure an unblemished track record.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Mr Madhwaraj said that his parents worked as ministers without getting tainted and he would also work in the same manner. When asked about former ministers taking objection to his elevation, Mr Madhwaraj said that they were seniors and he was a junior politician.

“Being a first timer, I have got an opportunity to work as minister, I will sincerely work for the improvement of the departments entrusted to me,” he said. “I have a good knowledge of the coastal region and problems faced by fishermen. Depletion of fish varieties is a big concern, there is a need to protect the species getting fast extinct. This can be done only by regulating fishing through a law. The laws of one state cannot protect these species, all the coastal states should have a uniform law. In the coming days, I am planning to convene a meeting of fisheries ministers of all states to work out towards bringing a common fishing law,” he said.

On the condition of sports personalities, Mr Madhwaraj said most of them come from middle and lower middle class families and cannot afford nutritious food. The government will evolve a policy to provide nutritious food to sportspersons at sports hostels too, he said.