The Kerala State Fishermen Debt Relief Commission has recommended the state government waive outstanding loans of Rs.121 crore (Rs.1.21 billion) of 56,695 fishermen.
"We had invited applications from the fisher folks across the state. In all, we have received 1,09,555 applications seeking waiver. This includes 9,891 housing loans to the tune of Rs.11.83 crore and loans for other purposes taken by 46,804 people to the tune of Rs.109.47 crore from the National Cooperative Development Corporation," commission's chairman Justice (retired) K.K. Dineshan told reporters.
"This is just one portion of the work we have done. Now we are working to ascertain the various loans that have been taken from commercial banks," he said.
Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said the cabinet will look into the commission's recommendations.
Kerala has 222 fishing villages and 120,486 fishermen's households.