Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu distributes Rs 258 crore to fishermen families

Visakhapatnam: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu distributed Rs 258 crore under the Matsyakarula Sevalo scheme to benefit over 1.2 lakh fishermen families in 555 villages across Andhra Pradesh. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to fishermen families and promote their welfare.
While addressing the gathering, Naidu emphasized the importance of adopting modern technology in the aqua sector. He highlighted the potential for generating revenue through seaweed production, which can earn fishermen Rs 10 lakh per hectare. The CM announced plans to implement a pilot project for seaweed production in Budagatlapalem village and extend it to other villages if successful.
The CM also announced plans to construct nine harbours in Srikakulam district, including one at Budagatlapalem, which will be completed in a year. This infrastructure development will boost the fishing industry and provide employment opportunities for fishermen.
CM Naidu interacted with fishermen families, boat repair workers, and mentors who have adopted poor families under the Zero Poverty-P4 program. He honored the mentors with shawls and appreciated their efforts in helping poor families develop in all aspects.
"The Zero Poverty-P4 program aims to eradicate poverty from the state by 2029. Under this program, mentors will work with poor families to provide them with guidance and support to improve their economic condition," Naidu said. The CM emphasized the need for collective efforts to eliminate poverty and inequality in society.
During the event, CM Naidu also highlighted the importance of Andhra Pradesh's aqua sector, which contributes 29% of the country's fish production and 32% of exports. "Every year, 55 lakh metric tonnes of fish and shrimp production generate employment for 16.55 lakh people," he said. He announced plans to implement schemes to promote aqua sector's growth and provide employment opportunities for people in coastal areas.
The CM also made several other announcements, including the implementation of the Annadata scheme, appointment of 17,000 teachers through Mega DSC, and implementation of the Talliki Vandanam scheme before schools reopen in June.
Advocating the need for having a minimum of two children, he said that the govt is planning to come up with a plan where people with less than two children are barred from contesting elections. "Every family should have two children, and the govt would take care of their education and development," he said.
Later, CM Naidu inaugurated the Centenary Alumni Building (CAB) constructed by the Andhra Medical College old students at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore. The four-storied building was constructed with the donations of 300 doctors of AMC settled or working in foreign nations. The building has an auditorium, a big library with a big screen, reading rooms, lecture halls, and an auditorium, besides showcasing the life history of well-known old students and others.