Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh) [India]: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will launch the “In Service of Fishermen” scheme on Saturday at Budagatlapalem village in Etcherla constituency, Srikakulam district, marking a significant welfare initiative for Andhra’s fishing community.
The scheme provides ₹20,000 in financial assistance to each fishing family during the 61-day annual fishing ban from April 15 to June 14, ensuring livelihood support during the non-fishing period.
According to an official release, the program is part of the NDA government’s commitment to fulfilling election promises rapidly, having already rolled out increased pensions, reopened Anna canteens, and now launched a host of initiatives targeting fishermen’s welfare.
Key Highlights of the Scheme:
- Total Beneficiaries: 1,29,178 fishing families across 12 coastal districts
- Total Allocation: ₹2,580 crores
- Launched By: CM N. Chandrababu Naidu
- Location: Budagatlapalem, Etcherla constituency
- Ban Period Covered: April 15 – June 14
The scheme, initially introduced by the TDP government in 2014, has been revived and expanded under the 2024 NDA administration. Previously, only ₹10,000 was provided per family—and none during the election year. Now, the aid is doubled, fulfilling a key manifesto promise.
Additional Welfare Measures for Fishermen:
- Diesel Subsidy: ₹9 per litre (up to 3,000 litres/month for mechanised boats)
- Two-Way Radios: To be installed in 4,484 boats for safety and communication
- Ex-Gratia: ₹10 lakh for accidental deaths (ages 18–60); 63 families supported last year
- Harbours & Infrastructure: 9 new fishing harbours, 7 landing centres, Aqua Park in Nizampatnam
- Pulicat Project: ₹97 crore under Sagarmala to benefit 20,000 families
- Subsidized Power: ₹1.50/unit for aquaculture, aiding 68,134 connections
Other Major Welfare Announcements from the NDA Govt:
- Pensions: Raised from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000; 64 lakh beneficiaries
- Gas Cylinders: Free distribution to over 1 crore women under Deepam-2
- Temple & Religious Welfare:
- Temple priests: ₹15,000/month
- Temple barbers: ₹25,000/month
- Imam & Muezzin salaries: ₹10,000 and ₹5,000 respectively
- Teacher Recruitment: 16,347 posts via DSC
- Women Empowerment: DWCRA loans doubled to ₹10 lakh
- Construction Sector: Free sand supply, fast paddy procurement payments
- New Boards & Schemes: New Waqf Board, Adarana-3, Thalliki Vandhanam, and Annadata soon
- Public Services: Over 250 services now available via WhatsApp
- Other Benefits: Health insurance up to ₹25 lakh/family, GST exemption on handlooms, free solar rooftops for SC/STs, and garbage tax scrapped
This comprehensive rollout marks a push toward the Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision, positioning the aquaculture sector as a growth engine while delivering on promises with speed and scale.