₹20,000 Relief for Fishermen: CM Chandrababu to Release Funds Today

The Andhra Pradesh government has once again extended a helping hand to fishing communities during the annual fishing ban season by rolling out financial assistance under the “Matsyakarula Sevalo” scheme. As part of the initiative, the state government will distribute ₹262 crore to 1,30,796 fishermen families across the state, with each beneficiary family receiving ₹20,000 directly into their bank accounts.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to formally release the funds at Thummalapenta village in Kavali mandal of Nellore district.

Every year, a 61-day fishing ban is imposed from April 15 to June 14 to protect marine resources during the breeding season. Since thousands of traditional fishermen lose their primary source of income during this period, the government has been offering financial support to ease their economic burden.

The NDA coalition government has continued the welfare scheme for the second consecutive year in line with its election promises. Last year, assistance worth ₹243 crore was extended to over 1.21 lakh fishermen families. With the number of beneficiaries increasing this year, the total aid distributed under the scheme over two years has touched ₹505 crore .

The government also pointed out that the previous administration provided only ₹10,000 as assistance, while the present government doubled the amount to ₹20,000 per family.

Despite financial challenges faced by the state, officials said the government remains committed to the welfare of weaker sections , particularly fishermen communities dependent on marine livelihoods.

Apart from livelihood assistance, the government has also been providing compensation to families of fishermen who lost their lives in accidents at sea. Financial relief worth ₹3.15 crore was released for 63 claims related to 2024-25 , while another ₹5.65 crore was paid towards 113 pending claims for 2025-26 .

To further strengthen fishermen livelihoods, the state government is also encouraging seaweed cultivation as an alternative and sustainable source of income.