Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the scheme to provide financial assistance to sustain livelihood of fishermen in State on Friday. The beneficiaries were provided with checks by Patnaik. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the marine products export workshop. Patnaik also provided appointment letters to 22 Assistant Fisheries Officer and 94 Technical Assistants on the day. It may be mentioned that the financial assistance scheme for fishermen was planned to support them during the fishing ban period. The fishermen are adversely affected by the ban aimed at sea turtle protection and marine fisheries resources conservation. Nearly 16,000 fishermen families will be benefited from the scheme every year, which will be implemented in all coastal districts. A budget of Rs 16 crore has been proposed for the scheme on a trial basis for two years. After that the scheme is likely to be extended further.