Praising the fisherfolks as Kerala’s own army, Finance Minister Dr Thomas Issac announced Rs 1,000 crore for various works at coastal areas and comprehensive development of fishermen communities. Presenting the State Budget 2019-20 in the State Assembly on Thursday, the Minister had a special word of thanks to hundreds of fishermen who rushed to the forefront of disaster to save the lives of their brethren who were trapped in the vortex of flood in the state in last August. While Rs 2,000 crore was earmarked last year, in the aftermath of Cyclone Ockhi, this year this will be expanded into a comprehensive programme in “Rebuild Kerala” and over Rs 1,000 crore will be spent on the development works in the coastal areas