Continuation of National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen in the 12th Plan

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the central sector scheme "National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen" during the 12th Plan. The scheme has been formulated by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and is an ongoing scheme.

The objectives of the scheme are:

(a)       Provision of basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation in fishers` villages

(b)       Better living standards for fishers and their families,

(c)       Social security for active fishers and their dependants, and

(d)       Economic Security.

During the Twelfth Plan period, the following benefits have been targeted for the fisherman across the country: (i) additional 4600 houses per year, (ii) coverage of 3.5 lakh fishers under Saving-cum-Relief every year; (iii) an additional coverage of 3 lakh fishermen under Group Accident Insurance has been set; (iv) covering 6400 fishermen per year under Training and Extension.

The scheme will be implemented within an outlay of Rs 640 crore including a Central outlay of Rs. 320 crore for the remaining part of the 12th Plan. The scheme has following components:

I)        Group Accident Insurance for active fishermen

II)       Development of model fishermen village

III)      Saving-cum-Relief, and

IV)     Training and Extension.

The Cabinet also approved enhancement in the amount of assistance and compensation to fishermen as per following: