AP CM announces financial package for fishermen

Hyderabad, Mar 25 (UNI) Continuing with his sops for the weaker sections of the society, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today announced financial benefit to the tune of Rs 53.62 crore for fishermen.

Making a statement in the State Assembly, he announced waiver of outstanding loans of Rs 40.70 crore availed by fishermen from the Fishermen Cooperative Societies and release of outstanding claims of next year.

While making clarifications on the statement, Dr Reddy maintained that his government was implementing one poll promise after another, starting with free power for farmers, soon after assuming office.

People would not believe the TDP, which now promised free power to peasants for nine hours.

Conceding the long-pending demand of the fishermen community, the Chief Minister announced enhancement of ex-gratia to Rs one lakh for the families of fishermen in addition to doubling of insurance benefit from Rs 50,000 to Rs one lakh by the Union Government through the nationalised insurance companies.

Noting inordinate delays in settlement of insurance claims, the government decided to provide ex-gratia of Rs one lakh per head in all fishermen missing cases from next month. While Rs 10,000 would be provided immediately, the balance would be provided after an year after getting an undertaking.

Pointing out that 214 missing cases of fishermen were pending with insurance agencies from 1997, he said the Government decided to provide an ex-gratia of Rs 50,000, pending settlement of claims.

MORE UNI SM VA GD BDP BD1648