The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), on Thursday, approved a proposal to increase the monthly relief being paid to the fishermen, under the Saving-cum-Relief Scheme, during the three month non-fishing period, to Rs.900 per month in the 12 five year plan period, from the present Rs.600 per month.
This money is being paid for three months every year as fishing with mechanised vessels are banned during April-June as this season is considered the breeding period for the fishes and other marine species. Over 3.5 lakh fishermen in the country will benefit due to the increased relief amount.
The Cabinet also hiked the compensation being paid to the fishermen/their families under the Group Accident Personal Insurance scheme. During the 12 plan, those fishermen, who suffer partial permanent disability will get Rs.1 lakh if they meet with accidents/other incidents, and those who die/ suffer permanent disability will get Rs. 2 lakh. Presently, money paid in such incidents are Rs.50,000 and Rs.1 lakh respectively. As many as 3 lakh fisherfolks are presently being covered under the insurance scheme in the country.
The CCEA, which met here on Thursday, also approved other proposals of the Department of Animal husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, under the Central sector scheme — National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen — during the 12th Plan.
The schemes were relating to provision of basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation in fisheries villages, better living standards for fishermen and their families, social security for active fishers and their dependants, and economic security.
