Waves of Risk, Nets of Hope

• Staff Reporter

Empowering Kerala’s fishermen with protection, dignity, and financial security through an inclusive insurance scheme that values every life at sea.

Kerala’s coastline has shaped the lives of millions yet, risks faced by coastal communities are deeply personal and relentless. Unprecedented storms, capsizing of boats, life-threatening injuries and tragic losses of life at sea often turn their life upside down. Despite mechanization and technological advancements the fishing community essentially need social protection. Recognizing this urgent need, the Government has introduced the Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme of Kerala through the Kerala Fishermen’s Welfare Fund Board (KFWFB) in 1986 and expanded in 1999 to include allied sectors. Under this scheme, all registered fishermen (aged 18–70) and allied workers (aged 18–60) are insured at no personal cost, which means the premium is borne by the government. In 2024 alone, 12.73 crore was sanctioned for fishermen and 1.18 crore for allied workers, covering over 3 lakh individuals under this scheme. The scheme provides:

• 1 lakh for accidental death, permanent disability, or disappearance at sea

• 50,000 for partial disability

• 25,000 in hospitalization costs

• 10,000 in educational support for children of the deceased

• 2,500 towards funeral expenses

Additionally, parallel schemes by agencies like Matsyafed provide further safety nets. Matsyafed’s insurance covers fishing crafts and inputs,other than personal accidents, covering up to 10-lakh families of deceased fishermen and extend educational support for their children. The policy also covers insurance for boats and engines, which reflects a broader, ecosystem-level approach to secure the fishing economy. In the wake of natural disasters and climate-related accidents, this scheme has offered timely and life-saving financial relief, helping families to overcome difficulties without the added burden of economic despair. As Kerala continues to modernize and diversify its fisheries sector, such initiatives will remain pivotal in honouring the dignity of labour. Because no matter how turbulent the waves, a society must ensure that those who navigate them find safe harbour.