Fishermen, their children and cooperative societies are getting direct benefits of various welfare schemes being implemented for them in Madhya Pradesh.
This year, the State Government has given away outstanding fishermen prizes worth Rs 3.94 lakh to 33 fishermen and consolation prizes worth Rs 3.55 lakh to 71 fishermen. Prizes worth Rs 1.86 lakh have been given to 102 talented children of fishermen. Besides, Rs 4.73 lakh were also given to 19 Fisheries Cooperative Societies. Families of six fishermen have got benefit of accident insurance scheme. They have been given cheques worth Rs 1 lakh each.
Incentive prize scheme is being implemented for maximum fish production in Fisheries Federation’s reservoirs. Under it, outstanding societies and fishermen are awarded. They are given cash, citation and memento as prize. Maximum Rs 50,000 prize is given to societies and Rs 25,000 to fishermen.
Similarly, education promotion scheme has been implemented to motivate fishermen’s children to pursue education. Under the scheme, Rs 2,000 each is given to fishermen’s children on passing Class VIII, X and XII exams in first division and Rs 1,000 in second division. Besides, Rs 5,000 special prize is given to students securing A-Grade.
The federation is implementing livelihood support scheme for ensuring livelihood to fishermen during closed season. Under the scheme, payment at the rate of Rs 2 per kg is made to fishermen during closed season. This amount is collected by deducting Rs 1 per kg from wages of fishermen and adding Rs 1 per kg by the federation. This year, payment worth Rs 93.75 lakh is being made to fishermen. In it, fishermen’s share is Rs 46.87 lakh. Equal amount has been contributed by the federation.