Port Blair, Nov. 9: The Central government has waived the loan together with the amount of interest as may be outstanding on the date of settlement in respect of 370 tsunami affected fishermen of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  As on 31-03-2012, tsunami affected fishermen of the Islands had outstanding loans and interest thereon amounting to Rs. 2.10 crore. The amount outstanding at the time of settlement will be reimbursed to the concerned banks by the Administration.

The Andaman & Nicobar Administration had recommended waiver of the entire loan granted to fishermen for repair, replacement and up-gradation of boats damaged due to the tsunami, along with accrued interest.

The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM had taken up the matter with the Home Ministry for waiving off the outstanding loan and interest amount of the tsunami affected fishermen of the Islands. The decision has come after proposal of the administration was approved by the Cabinet.