Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has released Rs 161.86 crore to help fishermen who lost their jobs because of ONGC pipelines in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema and Kakinada districts. The Chief Minister released the money from his office in Tadepalli on World Fisheries Day. Originally, he was supposed to release the money during a visit to Sullurpet Assembly constituency, but the trip was canceled due to heavy rain.
The government plans to give Rs 69,000 directly to the bank accounts of each of the 23,458 affected fishermen. They will receive this monthly assistance of Rs 11,500 for six months from January to June 2023. The Chief Minister emphasized his commitment to the welfare of these fishermen’s families. So far, the government has already paid Rs 485 crore to the families affected by the pipelines. The government also made sure to pay off any outstanding dues from the previous administration. The Chief Minister criticized the neglect of fishermen’s welfare during the previous administration and thanked ONGC for their support.
The Chief Minister also addressed the recent fire at the Visakhapatnam fishing harbor. The government took immediate action to financially assist boat owners who lost their boats in the fire. Compensation checks have been ordered to be given to the affected fishermen’s families. The compensation will cover 80% of the value of the destroyed boats.
During the program, Fisheries Commissioner Kannababu informed the Chief Minister that Andhra Pradesh received the Best Fisheries State Award. Officials from Andhra Pradesh traveled to Gujarat to receive the award.
Fisheries Minister Dr S Appla Raju and senior officials were present at the program.
