Anna Bansode Directs Relief for 246 Cyclone-Hit Raigad Boat Owners

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode has directed authorities to take positive steps to provide financial relief to 246 boat owners from Raigad district who were previously denied assistance following losses caused by Cyclone Kyarr and Cyclone Maha. The directive was issued during a meeting held at the Deputy Speaker's office in Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai.

The meeting was convened following a representation submitted by the Daryavardi Matsyavyavasay Cooperative Society Ltd., located in Ghodbunder, Wadaw in Pen taluka of Raigad district. Society representatives and officials from the Fisheries Department attended the discussions to address the grievances of affected fishermen.

During the meeting, representatives highlighted that the registration of fishing boats had recently been transferred to the district office. This transfer led to significant delays in boat registration and licensing due to technical and administrative complications. As a consequence of these procedural delays, several eligible fishermen were left out and deprived of the special financial assistance package previously announced by the state government.

The meeting was further informed that owners of non-mechanised boats engaged in marine fishing had suffered substantial financial losses due to the severe impacts of both Cyclone Kyarr and Cyclone Maha.

Responding to the concerns, Bansode stated that the issue must be handled sympathetically and positively. He emphasised that all eligible fishermen who were denied aid purely due to administrative bottlenecks should receive justice and the support they are entitled to.

Bansode instructed Fisheries Department officials to immediately prepare and submit a formal proposal to the state government seeking approval for special financial assistance. The proposal will cover the 246 affected boat owners as well as other eligible fishermen who were excluded, with officials directed to actively follow up to secure the required government approvals.