Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed the NDA government’s commitment to boost the welfare of the fishermen community in the country. Addressing the Golden Jubilee celebration of Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha in Kochi today, Mr Modi appreciated the role of the fishing community during 2018 floods in Kerala. Further lauding the work of Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha, the Prime Minister said that the organisation has been working for the rights of the fishermen community. He said that the organisation has presented an example of balancing life and employment and progress and nature.

 

Prime Minister added that the organisation live the Indian philosophy and thought as the Dheevara community considers oceans as its ‘amma’ (mother). Mr. Modi also congratulated the citizens of Kerala after the Union Cabinet approved renaming the state as Keralam, saying that the state has now got the rightful name.

 

Attacking the LDF and UDF, he alleged that the previous governments have neglected the fishermen community. He said that the BJP-NDA government has recognised the potential of the fishermen community and its role in the blue economy. He said that the NDA government has created a separate Ministry of Fisheries and several steps have been taken to bring them into the mainstream. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, a provision of around 1400 crore rupees has been made for Keralam. He said that because of this, the fisheries sector in Keralam is progressing rapidly.