Lok Sabha Question No. 1339 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Schemes to Fishermen
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1339 ANSWERED ON- 09/02/2024

## SCHEMES TO FISHERMEN

1339. SHRI RAM MOHAN NAIDU KINJARAPU

Will the Minister of  EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

- (a) the   details   regarding   the   total   number   of   fishermen   of   India behind  bars in Bangladesh during the last three years, State-wise including Andhra Pradesh;
- (b)   the   steps   and   initiatives   undertaken   by   the   Government   for release   and repatriation   of   our   fishermen   from   prisons   of Bangladesh   alongwith   the  funds   allocated   and   utilised   therefor during the last five years;
- (c)   whether   the   Government   has   undertaken   any   initiatives, schemes   and  programs   to   prevent   fishermen   from   accidentally straying into foreign waters, if so details regarding the same; and (d) whether the Government has any scheme/initiative to provide support to  families of fishermen imprisoned in foreign jails; if so details regarding the same?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

## (a) The details are as below:

|   Year |   Fishermen arrested |   Fishermen released | State       |
|--------|----------------------|----------------------|-------------|
|   2021 |                   54 |                   54 | West Bengal |
|   2022 |                  184 |                  184 | West Bengal |
|   2023 |                   04 |                   04 | West Bengal |

Fishermen from Andhra Pradesh- Nil

(b)  The Government attaches highest priority t12 pto the safety, security   and   welfare   of   Indian   fishermen.   As   soon   as   cases   of apprehension   of   Indian   fishermen   and   their   fishing   boats   are reported, immediate steps are taken by Indian Missions and Posts to seek consular access, ensure their welfare and also pursue their early   release   and   repatriation   along   with   their   boats.   Consular Officers of Missions/Posts make regular visits to jails and detention centers to ascertain the condition of Indian fishermen and provide requisite help and support, including legal assistance in deserving cases. As a result   of   sustained   efforts   by   the   Government,   all   Indian fishermen, detained in Bangladesh, stand repatriated. (c & d) Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying issues advisory to the coastal States and Union Territories (UTs) from time to time to sensitize the fishermen on the implications of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Besides, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) regularly conduct Community Interaction   Programmes   (CIPs)   for   the   fishermen   in   the   coastal villages on the same. ICG ships and aircraft, during regular patrol close to IMBL undertake shepherding of Indian fishing boats into the Indian waters. Coordinated patrols with neighbouring countries are also undertaken in order to sensitize the fishermen in this regard. Standard   Operating   Procedures   have   been   promulgated   by   the Ministry of Home Affairs in November 2016 to prevent transgression of IMBL by Indian fishermen.

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