Fishermen from Andhra Pradesh sailed in 100 boats on the Krishna River to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s residence in Undavalli to express their happiness over the state government’s financial aid release for the second year. State minister Nara Lokesh, the Chief Minister’s son, welcomed the fishermen who came to thank the government under the ‘In the service of fishermen’ scheme. The fishermen conveyed their gratitude to the Chief Minister and the government for their support.
Lokesh interacted with the fishermen, assuring them of the government’s continuous efforts for their welfare. He emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting the fishermen community and pledged to stand by them during any challenges they face. Chandrababu Naidu, meanwhile, was in Nellore district overseeing the distribution of financial assistance to fishermen as part of the scheme.
The Andhra Pradesh government is offering Rs 20,000 to each fishing family during the annual fishing ban period from April 15 to June 14. Last year, Rs 243 crore was deposited into the bank accounts of 1,21,433 fishermen, and this year, Rs 262 crore has been allocated to 1,30,796 fishermen families. The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the fishermen community.
In response to reports of trespassing and illegal fishing by Tamil Nadu’s mechanised fishing boats in Andhra Pradesh’s waters, Chandrababu Naidu affirmed the state’s stance against encroachment. He emphasized that Andhra Pradesh will protect the rights of its fishermen and will not tolerate any intrusion by boats from neighboring states. The Chief Minister also visited the Joint Action Task Force for the Sea Patrolling Centre in Nellore district, where he directed the utilization of satellite imagery and drones for enhanced patrolling to prevent unauthorized fishing activities.
