Kerala - Alappuzha   

Matsya Suraksha scheme launched

ALAPPUZHA: The Matsya Suraksha Insurance Scheme for fishermen was launched here on Monday. Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac handed over the first policy document to Fisheries Minister S. Sarma.

This is first time in India that fishermen are being brought under an insurance scheme.

Addressing a huge gathering of officials, members of the fishing community and the public at the ESI Junction, Dr. Isaac promised a reduction in the premium to be paid by fishermen. The original scheme had envisaged their paying 50 per cent of the premium. Following requests from Alappuzha municipal chairman P.P. Chitharanjan and K.C. Venugopal, MLA, Dr. Isaac said orders would be issued soon to reduce it to 25 per cent.

Damaged fishing boats and engines will be covered, apart from life insurance for fisheren.

Accordingly, 1.8 per cent of the original cost of the boat or engine will have to be paid as premium. Repair costs that go above 50 per cent of the boat or engine’s original cost will be reimbursed.

Dr. Isaac said the scheme was part of the State government’s efforts to improve the living conditions of the fishing community.

Several other measures were being initiated to ensure that the fisheries sector got its due. Ten new fishing harbours, together estimated at Rs. 210 crore, at Manjeswaram, Parappanangadi, Varkala and Kasaragod and other places, would be given administrative sanction this year.

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