AP ministers distribute compensation of Rs 148 cr to fisherfolk

Kakinada:Ministers K. Achannaidu, Kollu Ravindra and Vasamsetti Subhash along with  Peddapuram MLA Nimmakayala China Rajappa, government whip and Mummidivaram MLA Datla Subba Raju, MLC Yanamala Ramakrishnudu,  distributed cheques to fisherfolk, provided by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) as compensation of `148.37 crores to 23,450 beneficiaries, at `63,250 each, on Friday at Tallarevu in Kakinada District.

Achannaidu said that during the previous government, former chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy could not even identify land for establishing the Railway Zone in Visakhapatnam. He noted that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, had prepared a document for the integrated development of Andhra Pradesh by 2047, named "Swarnandhra," with many industries now coming forward to the state, offering 20 lakh jobs to unemployed youth in the next five years. He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stones for several industries, including the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone, during his visit on January 8.

Achannaidu also mentioned that Andhra Pradesh has 950 kilometres of coastline, and the government plans to construct jetties, archers, landing centres, and other infrastructure for the convenience of fishermen. He added that compensation for fishermen during the conservation period has been increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 each. He criticised the YSRC government, claiming it pushed the state into a Rs. 12.50 lakh crore debt trap, with Rs. 2.50 lakh crore distributed to beneficiaries through various schemes. He questioned where the remaining funds had gone, asserting that no development occurred under the previous administration, and emphasised that the current alliance government is making efforts to fulfil all election promises.

Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra highlighted that during the Telugu Desam regime, fishermen were provided with nets, boats, and other subsidies of 70 percent, but the previous government failed to implement these provisions. He assured that the alliance government would soon implement the scheme, adding that fishermen are the only community that has consistently supported Telugu Desam.

Yanamala Ramakrishnudu mentioned that the alliance government is drawing up plans to introduce additional schemes for the development of the fisheries sector.

Amalapuram MP G. Harish Mathur, along with MLAs A. Ananda Rao, Bandaru Satyananda Rao, Vegulla Jogeswara Rao, Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao (Kondababu), and others were present.