Udupi — Women and Child Development Minister and Udupi District In-charge Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar highlighted the vital role fishing plays in the state’s economy while urging fishermen to prioritize safety at sea.
Speaking at a workshop on the importance of life-saving equipment in fishing, organized by the Udupi District Administration and Fisheries Department at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium, the minister acknowledged the high risks fishermen face daily. “Fishing is like playing with fire,” she cautioned, stressing that life jackets and life buoys should be used without fail.
She noted that in the past five years, 140 fishermen have lost their lives at sea. To support their livelihoods, the state has doubled its contribution under the Savings and Compensation Scheme, ensuring financial aid during the monsoon fishing ban period. Life-saving gear is also being provided annually under government schemes.
Minister Hebbalkar recalled that former CM Siddaramaiah had implemented several welfare measures for fishermen, and affirmed that the current government continues to protect their interests.
As part of the event, the minister distributed site and house sanction title deeds to fishermen, handed over ₹3,000 cheques to beneficiaries of the savings relief scheme, and provided life-saving equipment.
The programme was attended by Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, Dinakar Herur, Ramesh Kanchan, Madan Kumar, Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroop, ZP CEO Prateek Bayal, SP Hariram Shankar, ADC Abid Gadyal, Joint Director of Fisheries Vivek, and others.