Nirmala Sitharaman Promises CM YS Jagan To Bring Back Stranded AP Fishermen

AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy informed officials that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured him of the safe return of Andhra fisherman stranded in Gujarat. The Chief Minister stated this on Sunday during a review meeting held with officials over the COVID-19 preventive measures taken in the State.

About 5,000 fishermen from Andhra Pradesh are stranded in Gujarat due to the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.

He said that he had telephoned the Union Finance Minister -- who is also dealing with the state in this matter as the Centre’s nodal minister -- and informed her that senior IAS officer Satish Chandra was deputed to look into the issue on behalf of the State Government. The Union minister, on her part, informed the AP chief minister that she had also assigned an officer from her office to coordinate with the State to rescue the fishermen.

YS Jagan informed the meeting that she has promised to make appropriate efforts to bring the fishermen back to AP. YS Jagan, a few days ago, called up Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and requested him to shift the stranded fishermen by sea route in view of the lockdown restrictions in the country. However, authorities have apprised him that clearances need to be obtained from the Union home ministry besides a few other departments for a ship to be allowed to ferry the fishermen by sea. And this process can be time-consuming. Based on this feedback from the officials, the chief minister dialed the union finance minister and sought her help.

Meanwhile, Fisheries Minister Mopidevi Venkataramana told reporters in Guntur district that the stranded fishermen in Gujarat were being taken care of with the support of the Gujarat Government. The Chief Minister had also issued orders to disburse Rs 4,000 each to the families of the stranded fishermen.

Earlier, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy called up Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and urged him to ensure all possible assistance to the fishermen.

Vijay Rupani responded positively to YS Jagan’s request and assured him of all possible help. He promised that their government would provide food and accommodation to the AP’s fishermen besides helping them out with essential commodities during this crisis time.

Also Read: AP CM YS Jagan Urges Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani To Take Care Of Stranded Fishermen