Fisheries Development and Fishermen’s Welfare Minister, Kusum Mahdele announced two new schemes for education of children and marriage of daughters of fishermen at 19th annual general meeting of Fisheries Federation here on Monday.
She said that Nishadraj Chhatrivritti Yojana will be launched for higher education of fishermen working in reservoirs of the federation. Mahdele said that like Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana, Rs15,000 assistance will be given for marriage of daughters of fishermen. It will be known as Mukhyamantri Meenakshi Vivah Yojana. Principal Secretary Fisheries Development Shri Arun Kumar Tiwari, MD UK Subuddhi and other officers were present on the occasion.
Mahdele informed that maximum Rs20,000 was given earlier for treatment, which fell short of requirement. Keeping this in view, the State Government has increased
assistance amount for treatment of serious diseases, transplantation etc for fishermen to Rs40 thousand.
She also announced increase in contributory amount given to fishermen during closed season. Earlier, total Rs4 per kg including Rs2 contribution by fishermen and Federation’s share of Rs2 was given to fishermen during off season. It has now been increased to Rs6 per kg including Rs3 per kg contribution of fishermen and Rs3 share of the federation. This scheme will be deemed implemented with effort of fishing season starting from August 16 last.
Mahdele informed that wages were paid to fishermen at the rate of minimum Rs25 per kg, which has now been increased to Rs26 per kg. Fishermen will get its scheme from October 1 next. She said that Madhya Pradesh Government is making continuous endeavor for overall development of fishermen. Modern techniques are also being used to increase fisheries and fish production. It will yield encouraging results. She informed that the federation had earned Rs36 crore during year 2014-15, which has risen to Rs54 crore in year 2015-16.
Office-bearers of fisheries cooperative societies, director fisheries, UK Purohit etc were present on the occasion.