Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the gathering throughout the Golden Jubilee Sammelan, in Kochi on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: narendramodi.in through PTI Photo
Successive governments on the Centre have uncared for the fishing group for many years regardless of its labour and ability contributing considerably to the nation’s financial system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned right here on Wednesday.
He was addressing a packed viewers whille inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the All Kerala Dheevara Sabha (AKDS) at Marine Drive right here.
“It is the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that has recognised your unique abilities and created a dedicated ministry for the welfare of the fishing community. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), ₹1,400 crore has been allocated to Kerala alone, accelerating the growth of the fisheries sector. Cooperative societies and fishermen producer organisations are being strengthened, and the youth of the community are being encouraged to lead the blue economy with government-backed loans,” Mr. Modi mentioned.
The Prime Minister lauded the Dheevara group for its position in guarding India’s maritime borders and for its lively participation within the Ram Janmabhoomi motion. “During the devastating floods in Kerala, the world witnessed your spirit of service. You risked your lives, launched boats, rescued families, and delivered supplies. These acts will never be forgotten. The nation is grateful for your courage and dedication,” he mentioned.
Recalling Kochi’s legacy as a soil of social transformation, Mr. Modi famous that it was from right here that Pandit Karuppan raised the voice of self-respect and rights.
Empowerment of fishermen
He mentioned the Centre was harnessing expertise for the empowerment of fishermen. A National Fisheries Digital Platform has been launched, bringing fishermen, boat homeowners, and exporters collectively on one community, thereby easing entry to schemes. To improve security, 7,000 satellite-based transponders have been distributed to fishing boats in Kerala, of which over 4,500 are already operational.
Coastal infrastructure can also be being modernised, he mentioned, citing the institution of 9 built-in fishing villages and sanctioning of 16 ice crops and chilly storage amenities in Kerala over the previous 5 years. Fishing harbours are being upgraded, with ₹177 crore spent on modernising the Muthalapozhi harbour, alongside dredging and enhancements at six others. Seaweed manufacturing clusters have been arrange, creating new earnings alternatives, particularly for girls and youth locally. Artificial reefs are being put in alongside Kerala’s coast to extend fish shares and guarantee scientific marine conservation.
Mr. Modi mentioned the NDA authorities had fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of Malayalis by formally recognising the title of the State as “Keralam,” in line with the cultural identification of its individuals. “This beautiful State has now received a name that resonates with the culture of Malayalis,” he mentioned. The BJP-led NDA authorities’s imaginative and prescient is to convey prosperity to each family in Kerala. The State’s financial system should attain new heights, and that is the muse of constructing a developed Keralam,” he mentioned.
Earlier, in his introductory deal with, AKDS common secretary V. Dinakaran urged the Prime Minister to incorporate the group within the listing of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and to nominate a fee to look at the socio-economic and occupational challenges confronted by fishermen. He assured that the group would stay steadfast with the nation and the Prime Minister.
Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries George Kurian, Hibi Eden, MP, T.J. Vinod, MLA, Mayor V.Okay. Minimol, and BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar had been current.
Published – March 11, 2026 04:39 pm IST
