Bhubaneswar, June 1 -- Fishermen in Odisha's Kendrapara district alleged on Monday that they have been deprived of financial assistance meant to compensate them during the annual fishing ban imposed for the protection of marine life, including fish and Olive Ridley turtles.

The issue has surfaced in Mahakalpada block, where fishermen claim that many eligible beneficiaries have not received the State government assistance provided during the fishing restriction period. A ban is enforced every year to facilitate the conservation of endangered sea turtles and the breeding season of fish species along the coast.

As fishing activities remain restricted during this period, the government provides financial support of Rs 15,000 annually to reg...