Puducherry government raises quantum of financial relief to fishermen

PUDUCHERRY: With the annual ban on fishing by mechanised trawlers and big vessels being extended for 61 days from the usual 45, Puducherry government today announced a hike in financial assistance for fishermen families from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,500.

The hike was announced by Chief Minister N Rangasamy in the territorial assembly while presenting the budget.

Officials in the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare told PTI that as many as 20,800 families of fishermen would be benefited under the scheme.

The ban, which used to be for 45 days from April 14 every year, has been increased to 61 days now and the purpose of the ban is to ensure breeding of fish and to conserve the fish stock, they said.

Mechanised boats and bigger trawlers would not be permitted to venture into the sea for fishing during the ban period. However, smaller boats and country boats would not be governed by the ban.