Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 20: In a significant step towards supporting families of detained fishermen, the Maharashtra Government has sanctioned Rs 16.20 lac as financial assistance to the families of 18 fishermen languishing in Pakistan’s Malir jail in Karachi for over three years. The aid also includes compensation for the kin of a fisherman who died while in custody.

The sanction, issued via a government order on June 17, is part of the state’s March 2023 policy that assures Rs 300 per day as living expenses for families of fishermen imprisoned in Pakistani jails. Modeled on a similar scheme in Gujarat, the policy aims to provide sustained financial relief to affected families.

While the total dues till May 2025 stand at Rs 64.16 lac, only a partial amount of Rs 16.20 lac has been released. Nearly Rs 47.97 lac remains pending, drawing criticism from activists and families battling economic hardship.

Veteran journalist and peace activist Jatin Desai welcomed the sanction but stressed the urgency of releasing the remaining amount. “These families, mostly from tribal communities, have been in distress for years. The government must disburse the remaining funds without delay,” he said.

Desai also reiterated the demand for implementing monthly payments of Rs 9,000 to each affected family, as promised in the 2023 government order. Gujarat has already begun such disbursements to its fishermen’s families.

The issue has renewed calls for stronger diplomatic efforts by the Union Government to ensure the early repatriation of the fishermen. “Their sentences ended in 2022 and 2023, and their Indian nationality has been confirmed. Yet they remain in Pakistani custody,” Desai added.

Families and advocacy groups continue to press for both humanitarian assistance and a resolution to the prolonged detention.