Kerala - Kochi   

Fish workers brought under insurance scheme

KOCHI: More than 6,700 fish workers were brought under accident insurance scheme last year and Rs.1.5 lakh was handed out as aid, K.S. Sajeevan, district manager of Matsyafed, has said.

In a press release issued here, he said Rs.6.51 lakh was distributed as bonus to fishing workers last year. More than Rs.15 lakh was distributed among 32 fishing workers as self-employment loan. Fishing equipment worth Rs.29.13 lakh was given to 587 fishing workers.

Matsyafed had distributed 49.5 tonne fishing net costing Rs.1.61 crore to fish workers in the district in the last two years, he said. Besides, 10 outboard engines and 47 country boats were also given. Matsyafed had granted subsidy to the tune of Rs.56.86 lakh on this account, he said.

Projects exploring tourism potential in the fishing sector were launched last year. The aqua tourism project, combining the fishing farms of Njarakkal and Malippuram, provided tourists with the opportunity to experience fishing. Boating through the canals and tasty fish dishes served as additional attractions. Eighty-three primary fishermen’s cooperative societies in the district were affiliated to Matsyafed. From these societies, Rs.1.27 crore was collected as deposits. Fifteen cooperative societies were working for the well-being of women from the fishing community. About 460 male self-help groups and 917 women self-help groups were active in the district.

Seventy women self-help groups had been granted vehicles under the tsunami rehabilitation programme to sell fish products. Of this 36 vehicles were handed over. Utilising the revolving fund for working capital scheme under the tsunami rehabilitation programme, Rs.79.65 lakh had been distributed to 364 fishing groups.

This was to ensure that fish workers received minimum wages even on days when they were not able to earn anything despite working.

Mr. Sajeevan also said that the fresh fish point opened by Matsyafed near the High court had evoked good response.

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