Care for Coastal Communities; Strength for the Cultural World
Saji Cherian Minster for Fisheries and Cultural affairs
Comprehensive welfare programs by Kerala government enhance fishermen’s lives, cultural heritage, and youth development across the state.
The Kerala government has introduced schemes aimed at ensuring the safety and social welfare of fishermen, who contribute significantly to the state’s social, economic, and employment sectors. The government is committed to protecting the fishing community, ensuring social security, and implementing projects that safeguard their lives, property, livelihoods, and education. These initiatives range from the ‘Punargeham’ rehabilitation project to specialized training programs for deep-sea f ishing. To enhance the domestic production growth of the fishing sector and to address the economic backwardness of the fishing community, a budget of 3,935.41 crore has been allocated over the past nine years. Out of this, 3,494.22 crore has been spent on the fisheries sector. More than 12,000 crore has been utilized for coastal development, including support from KIIFB, the Okhi package, Life Mission, the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, local self-governments, the Irrigation Department, and the RKI Labour Department. Over the past years, a total of 180 crore has been provided as financial assistance to fishing families who lost working days due to weather warnings and the COVID-19 pandemic. T he ‘Santhwanatheeram’ scheme has been implemented to provide five years of continuous medical assistance for fishermen, associated workers, and pensioners suffering from serious illnesses. An allocation of 66.35 crore has been made under KIIFB for the infrastructure development of 57 coastal schools. Additionally, 137.82 crore has been allocated for the renovation of 51 fish markets. Insurance coverage has been provided for traditional fishing vessels, with the government covering 90% of the premium. Harbor Management Societies have been established for the operation and maintenance of major fishing harbors in the state. In response to the shortage and price hike of kerosene, the government has introduced a subsidy scheme to encourage the use of more affordable and efficient fuels such as petrol, diesel, and LPG in engines.
‘Punargeham’
During this period, the ‘Punargeham’ project was implemented with a budget of 2,450 crore to rehabilitate people living within 50 meters of the high tide line. A total of 5,338 families have been relocated. Flats were constructed at a cost of 56 crore in Mutathara, Karod, Beemapalli, and Ponnani, providing 468 units. Additionally, f inancial assistance was provided for 3,561 houses through the department and 3,547 houses through the Life Mission.
‘Theera Sadass’
Since the current government came to power, the ‘Theera Sadass’ program has been organized in 47 centres across all coastal constituencies to engage directly with coastal communities, understand their issues first hand, and find solutions.
‘Vidya Theeram’
The ‘Vidya Theeram’ project provides coaching for medical, civil service, and banking exams to the children of fishermen. Through this initiative, 85 doctors have been produced from coastal areas so far. The project also provides financial assistance to children pursuing professional courses. Orphaned children of fishermen have been adopted, with the government covering all educational expenses.
Protection For the Cultural Kerala
T he government is actively promoting traditional art forms unique to Kerala, encouraging other art forms, and supporting artists by transforming art into a viable livelihood. The goal is to support artistic activities, cultural organizations, and underprivileged artists from various backgrounds.
Vajra Jubilee Fellowship
Implemented in collaboration with local self governments, the ‘Vajra Jubilee Fellowship’ is a cultural training program. It offers free training in classical arts, performing arts, visual arts, sculpture, and folk art forms. The budget for this scheme increased from 12 crore in 2021-22 to 13 crore in 2022-23, benefiting over a thousand artists.
Promotion in the Film Industry
To promote women and marginalizedcommunities in cinema, the cultural department provides financial support for film production. Under this scheme, four films receive 1.5 crore each annually. This unique initiative has led to f ive films being released, three films in the final stages of release, two in various production stages, and four selected for the project.
Rural Art Hub
T he ‘Rural Art Hub’ project aims to improve the living standards of rural artists and craftsmen by creating market opportunities ,both online and offline, for products made by local artists and artisans.
‘Bala Keralam’
T he ‘Bala Keralam’ project, currently in its final stages, focuses on fostering interest in extracurricular arts, culture, science, and social activities among children aged 4 to 18. The program also aims to instill civic consciousness and raise awareness against rising drug abuse among the youth.
Digitalization
T he cultural department is advancing the digitalization of traditional art forms through initiatives like ‘Mazhamizhi’ and ‘Samam’, which have received widespread acclaim. The centenary celebrations of historical events like the Vaikom Satyagraha and the Sarvvamatha Sammelanam were held on a grand scale. Kerala also launched its first government-led OTT platform, renovated theatres, and established Sree Narayana Guru cultural complex at kollam. The complexes in Palakkad and Kasargod have been completed.
Youth Welfare
T he Youth Affairs Department and its affiliated bodies, such as the Youth Welfare Board and the Youth Commission, actively engage with the younger generation through diverse competitions, voluntary activities, and training programs. The Team Kerala – Kerala Youth Force, comprising 92 KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY 93 over 17,500 young individuals, operates under the guidance of the Youth Welfare Board to respond to disasters. Over 1,040 young women clubs have been established under the name ‘Avalidam’ across local self-governments. 140 agricultural clubs under the name ‘Kathir’, 14 clubs for differently-abled individuals under the ‘yes club’ title and ‘Maarivillu’ has established 14 clubs for the transgender community. The National Adventure Academy under the Youth Welfare Board in Idukki’s Devikulam organizes trekking events, training programs, and adventure carnivals. Construction of a new building for the academy is underway. The Youth Commission also conducts awareness campaigns on issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, ragging, cybercrime, road safety, and mental health in colleges and amongst marginalized communities. Programs such as free legal aid for youth, the ‘Green Youth’ project to attract young people to agriculture, the Virtual Employment Exchange, and the ‘Youth Icon’ initiative to honor outstanding youth leaders are also in progress.
Increased Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for fishermen and associated workers has been increased from 5 lakh to 10 lakh. The savings assistance scheme has been raised from 2,700 to 4,500. Annually, 1,80,000 fishermen benefit from these schemes. Under the ‘Abhayam’ scheme, financial assistance of 10 lakh has been provided to those displaced by sea erosion.
Renovation of Chithranjali Studio
The ₹150 crore renovation of Chithranjali Studio is underway with KIIFB support. The first phase, costing ₹67.16 crore, is nearing completion. Initial steps have been taken to establish the Malayalam Film Museum at Chithranjali Studio.