Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved a comprehensive set of financial assistance measures aimed at providing relief to families affected by natural disasters, fishermen impacted by adverse weather-related bans and other special assistance categories. The decisions were taken at a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and reflect the state government’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable groups through the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).
Among the key approvals, the Cabinet sanctioned ₹58.45 lakh to the Pathanamthitta district collector’s office for distribution among 143 families whose homes were fully or partially damaged by natural disasters reported since January 2023. This allocation is intended to assist with repairs and immediate needs as affected households continue to recover from severe weather events.
Significant relief was also approved for the state’s fishing community. The government decided to disburse **₹48.20 crore to cover compensation for 14 days of lost work suffered by fishermen and their dependent families between May 18 and May 31, 2025, when fishing activity was banned due to weather advisories. The funds will benefit over 1.7 lakh fishermen and their families, helping to offset lost income during the period when fishing operations were restricted.
In addition, the Cabinet cleared other assistance measures under CMDRF. ₹3 lakh will be provided to Kumari Akhil, youngest daughter of Sudhakaran of Palakkad, who was murdered in Nenmara, and ₹5 lakh each will be extended to the dependents of three Tamil Nadu workers — Jayaram, Michael and Sundarapandyan — who died while cleaning a sewage tank in Idukki district.
Besides disaster and livelihood assistance, approvals were also given for loan disbursements under welfare schemes, police cadre upgrades and development projects. These measures reflect the state government’s emphasis on social protection, livelihood support and administrative reforms in the face of ongoing challenges from natural calamities and economic pressures.
News as reported
