Kerala to introduce insurance cover for registered fishermen against natural deaths

Kerala will introduce an insurance scheme to provide coverage to registered fishermen in the event of death from natural causes, Fisheries Minister V E Abdul Gafoor said.

Currently, fishermen are covered only for accidental death or disability resulting from accidents. Deaths caused by natural reasons, including illness and heart attacks, are not covered under the existing scheme, the minister said in a statement.

The proposed scheme will provide insurance coverage to all registered fishermen in the state, he said.

Gafoor announced the initiative during a meeting on Thursday with representatives of boat owners' organisations from the fisheries sector.

The meeting also discussed measures to address difficulties in renewing licences for fishing vessels whose validity has expired.

The government will also amend the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act to make the legislation more relevant to present circumstances, the minister said.

An expert committee will soon be appointed to examine the matter and submit a report. The government will then take steps to amend the law after seeking the views of stakeholders in the fisheries sector.

The legislation, enacted in 1980, is being considered for an update to reflect current circumstances, he added.

The government will also intervene to secure compensation for fishermen who suffered losses following the sinking of the MSC Elsa 3, in connection with the case currently pending before the Kerala High Court, Gafoor said.

The meeting further decided to reconstitute the Fisheries Management Council and take steps to ensure that it operates at full capacity, the minister said.  (with inputs from PTI)