Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday (April 7, 2025) announced special livelihood schemes worth ₹216.73 crore, besides developing deep-sea fishing harbours in Thangachimadam, Pamban, and Kundukal at a cost of ₹360 crore, for the benefit of fishermen in the districts surrounding Gulf of Mannar.
Making a suo motu statement under Rule 110 of the Assembly, Mr. Stalin told the House that an order had been issued to construct deep-sea fishing harbours at a total cost of ₹150 crore in Thangachimadam and Kundukal, respectively, and another fishing harbour in Pamban at a cost of ₹60 crore. He announced new schemes that will be implemented at a cost of ₹216.73 crore to improve the livelihood and welfare of fishermen in Tamil Nadu.
“To prevent the continued arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, a resolution was passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on April 2, 2025, concerning the fishermen’s issue. This resolution was passed with the objective of finding a permanent solution to the problem. The resolution emphasised the need to reclaim Katchatheevu, to secure the release of all our fishermen languishing in Sri Lankan jails, and to demand the return of boats seized by the Sri Lankan Navy,” he said.
Mr. Stalin said the frequent arrests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy has become a matter of deep concern. “It is now becoming evident that both the Union government and the Prime Minister of India are ignoring our repeated appeals. Regardless of the Union government’s stance, we will not fail to protect the livelihoods of our fishermen. The State government will always stand by them,” he said.
A special scheme at a cost of ₹52.33 crore will be implemented to provide technical training and necessary equipment to about 7,000 beneficiaries involved in seaweed cultivation, processing, value addition, and marketing. “Equipment and support services will be provided at a cost of ₹25.82 crore to enable members of the fishing community to engage in cage culture of fish and mud crab, including processing and sales. A scheme worth ₹9.90 crore will be implemented to promote fish processing and drying technologies among 2,500 fishing families. Technical training for the preparation of fish and fish-based value-added products will be given to around 15,300 fishermen at a cost of ₹20.55 crore,” he said.
Schemes worth ₹54.48 crore will benefit around 20,100 fishermen by supporting alternate livelihoods such as net making and repairing, boat building and repairing, dry fish processing, ornamental fish tank making, boat driving, and shell craft production. For approximately 14,700 beneficiaries, schemes worth ₹53.62 crore will support alternative livelihoods such as mushroom farming, operating tourism boats, producing handicrafts and home-made masala powders, beautician training, and millet-based food production.