PM hails Dheevara Sabha’s 50-year journey, promises prosperity for Kerala households

Successive governments at the Centre have neglected the fishing community for decades despite its labour and skill contributing significantly to the country’s economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Wednesday.

He was addressing a packed audience whille inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the All Kerala Dheevara Sabha (AKDS) at Marine Drive here.

“It is the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that has recognised your unique abilities and created a dedicated ministry for the welfare of the fishing community. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), ₹1,400 crore has been allocated to Kerala alone, accelerating the growth of the fisheries sector. Cooperative societies and fishermen producer organisations are being strengthened, and the youth of the community are being encouraged to lead the blue economy with government-backed loans,” Mr. Modi said.

The Prime Minister lauded the Dheevara community for its role in guarding India’s maritime borders and for its active participation in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. “During the devastating floods in Kerala, the world witnessed your spirit of service. You risked your lives, launched boats, rescued families, and delivered supplies. These acts will never be forgotten. The nation is grateful for your courage and dedication,” he said.

Recalling Kochi’s legacy as a soil of social transformation, Mr. Modi noted that it was from here that Pandit Karuppan raised the voice of self-respect and rights.

Empowerment of fishermen

He said the Centre was harnessing technology for the empowerment of fishermen. A National Fisheries Digital Platform has been launched, bringing fishermen, boat owners, and exporters together on one network, thereby easing access to schemes. To enhance safety, 7,000 satellite-based transponders have been distributed to fishing boats in Kerala, of which over 4,500 are already operational.

Coastal infrastructure is also being modernised, he said, citing the establishment of nine integrated fishing villages and sanctioning of 16 ice plants and cold storage facilities in Kerala over the past five years. Fishing harbours are being upgraded, with ₹177 crore spent on modernising the Muthalapozhi harbour, alongside dredging and improvements at six others. Seaweed production clusters have been set up, creating new income opportunities, especially for women and youth in the community. Artificial reefs are being installed along Kerala’s coast to increase fish stocks and ensure scientific marine conservation.

Mr. Modi said the NDA government had fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of Malayalis by officially recognising the name of the State as “Keralam,” in keeping with the cultural identity of its people. “This beautiful State has now received a name that resonates with the culture of Malayalis,” he said. The BJP-led NDA government’s vision is to bring prosperity to every household in Kerala. The State’s economy must reach new heights, and this is the foundation of building a developed Keralam,” he said.

Earlier, in his introductory address, AKDS general secretary V. Dinakaran urged the Prime Minister to include the community in the list of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and to appoint a commission to examine the socio-economic and occupational challenges faced by fishermen. He assured that the community would remain steadfast with the nation and the Prime Minister.

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries George Kurian, Hibi Eden, MP, T.J. Vinod, MLA, Mayor V.K. Minimol, and BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar were present.