Palghar, Maharashtra: In a long-awaited move, the Maharashtra Government has sanctioned ₹16.20 lakh as financial assistance to the families of 18 fishermen from the state who have been imprisoned in Pakistan's Malir jail in Karachi for over three years, along with compensation for the family of one fisherman who died while in custody.
The approval, issued via a government order dated June 17, 2025, marks a partial disbursement under the State Government’s March 2023 policy that promises ₹300 per day as living expenses to families of fishermen detained in Pakistani prisons. The policy, modeled on a similar scheme in Gujarat, had committed to sustained financial support for affected families.
According to official calculations, the total assistance due until last month amounts to ₹64.16 lakh. With ₹16.20 lakh now disbursed, nearly ₹47.97 lakh remains outstanding.
Advocacy groups and family members have expressed concern over the delay, emphasising that many of the affected families, largely from tribal communities, are facing acute financial distress.
"I welcome the government’s decision to sanction ₹16.20 lakh, but urge authorities to immediately release the remaining amount. These families have been struggling for years, and financial relief is crucial for their survival," said veteran journalist and peace activist Jatin Desai.
In addition to clearing the pending dues, demands have been raised for the government to initiate monthly payments of ₹9,000 to each affected family, in line with the provisions outlined in the 2023 government order. In Gujarat, such monthly disbursements are already being made.
The matter has also reignited calls for the Union Government to step up diplomatic efforts for the early repatriation of the detained fishermen. "Their sentences concluded in 2022 and 2023, and their Indian nationality has been confirmed. Yet, they remain stranded in Pakistani custody," Desai added.
