‘Priority in funds for fishermen who lost boats’

Addressing media persons in Madurai on Sunday, Radhakrishnan said the Centre is keen on implementing welfare measures for the fishermen and with the Rs 100 crore fund over 750 boats can be bought. “Importance will be given to deep sea fishing as it will reduce arrest of fishermen,” he said. 

“Training will also be given to the fishermen and the state government should identify the beneficiaries for the training,” added Radhakrishnan. Stating that the relationship with Sri Lanka had never been so smooth, he said that the representatives from India had held regular meetings with their counterparts in the island nation on the problems of fishermen. 

When asked about former chief minister O Panneerselvam’s ease of access to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the denial of an appointment to the Leader of Opposition MK Stalin, Radhakrishnan said he was not aware of the reason behind the meeting Panneerselvam had with Modi and could not comment on the issue. 

On Rajinikanth’s probable entry into politics, the Union Minister said, “When the politicians in the state are acting, actors will enter politics. There is no problem in Rajinikanth entering politics.”