Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 29 March 2025
The Fishermen Welfare Association of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has extended heartfelt thanks to the Central Government for approving the implementation of an Insurance Premium subvention scheme for fishing vessels and boats (Marine Hull & Machinery) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
In a letter addressed to Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Mr. Rajeev Ranjan Singh (alias Lalan Singh), and other senior officials, the association acknowledged the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for issuing the approval via letter No. NFDB/PMMSY/ Vessel Insurance/ 2024-25 dated March 4, 2025.
The scheme offers a significant insurance premium subvention where the central government covers a major share, reducing the financial burden on fishermen. As a result, the registered 4,027 vessel owners in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be able to avail of this beneficiary-oriented scheme, ensuring financial and livelihood security against both foreseen and unforeseen events.
B. Hema Raju, General Secretary of the association, expressed optimism that this initiative would greatly benefit the fishing community in the islands. Copies of the letter were also forwarded to Mr. S.U. Maheswar Rao, Governing Body Member of A&N Islands for the National Fisheries Development Board, and Mr. Janardhan Gangapitra, National Convenor of the Central Fishers Welfare Association, New Delhi.
The association has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the fishing community and ensuring they reap maximum benefits from government schemes aimed at their welfare.