Kurnool: AP fisheries minister Seediri Appalaraju on Sunday asked fishermen from Kurnool and Nandyala districts to take advantage of the various welfare schemes of the state government.
He received petitions from fishermen at the state guest house here after president of the National Fishermen Association, along with members from Kurnool and Nandyal districts, met the minister to discuss a series of proposals aimed at improving the livelihood of fishermen and their families.
The association sought introduction of fisheries courses in universities specifically tailored for traditional fishermen and opportunities for exporting fish to foreign markets.
The fishermen representatives sought inclusion of their caste in the scheduled tribes’ list, which would afford them benefits and protections. They emphasised on the need to protect ponds from encroachment, which are essential for their fishing activities.
Gangaputra Welfare Society of Gani requested the fisheries minister to allot the 240-acre tank constructed in Nandyala district six years ago to the area’s fishermen's society. Appalaraju assured that he will take the matter to the government's notice.
Rajya Sabha member Mopidevi Venkataramana, Panyam MLA Katasani Rambhupal Reddy, Kurnool MLA Dr. Hafeez Khan, and deputy directors of fisheries in Kurnool and Nandyala districts Shyamalamma and Raghava Reddy were present.
