Telangana Government Assures Fishermen – Minister Vakiti Srihari

The Telangana government has approved the implementation of the Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) for 4,21,767 registered fishermen in the state for the 2026–27 financial year, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Youth Services and Sports Vakiti Srihari said. The scheme aims to provide financial and social security to fishermen and their families in cases of accidental death or permanent disability. Registered fishermen aged between 18 and 70 will be covered under the scheme, with the Centre and state government sharing the insurance premium in a 60:40 ratio. The state government will bear its share, ensuring that eligible fishermen face no financial burden.

Under the scheme, a sum of ₹5 lakh will be provided in the event of accidental death or permanent total disability, while ₹2.5 lakh will be paid for permanent partial disability. Fishermen who require hospitalisation due to an accident will also be eligible for medical assistance of up to ₹25,000. The policy period will come into effect from June 1, 2026, and the Fisheries Department has taken steps to ensure continuous insurance coverage for all eligible registered fishermen. Minister Srihari said the government is committed to strengthening the social and financial security of fishermen and their families across Telangana.