Schemes for the welfare of fishermen in Karnataka State

Karnataka Government has formulated and implemented different Schemes for the Welfare of fishermen. The Schemes are summarised as follows:

1. Assistance to Fish Marketing and Mathsyavahini:

This scheme aims at helping the fishermen by providing them assistance to purchase a bicycle and insulated boxes. This is instrumental in selling and transporting fish in fresh and hygienic condition. 50% subsidy is provided for purchasing bicycle and insulated boxes subject to a maximum of Rs. 1,250/- per person.

For those interested in purchasing two-wheelers and insulated boxes, the maximum amount permissible is 7,500/-. Further, there is a provision of loan from financial institutions for obtaining balance amount by these beneficiaries.

Those who are more enterprising and interested in quick transportation of fish from fish landing centres to marketing place, the scheme has a provision of subsidy of 25% to a maximum of Rs. 25,000/- for purchase of 3 wheeler tempo rickshaw for a group of 3-4 fishermen.

2. Assistance to fishermen for purchase of fishery requisites:

This Scheme is meant for the members of Fishermen Cooperative Societies. Under this Scheme loan-cum-subsidy at the ratio of 2:1 is provided to the fishermen in the ratio of 2:1. This is for raising a loan from the financial institutions and the maxmum amount of subsidy for individuals is 3,000/- and for group of fishermen it is Rs. 5,000/-.

3. Matsya Ashraya Scheme:

Keeping in view the demand of about 28,000 houses Karnataka Government has introduced this Scheme with and aim of providing house to those fishermen who are houseless. Houses at the cost of Rs. 40,000/- are constructed under this Scheme.

4. Scheme for Marine Fishermen – Saving-cum-Relief:

There are four lean months in fishing. A sum of Rs. 75/- is collected from marine fishermen during the active period of 8 months in a year. This amount will be matched by the State and Central Government in equal amounts. Thus, Rs. 600/- collected from the fishermen is matched with equal amount by the Government and a sum of Rs. 300/- is disbursed @ Rs. 300/- per month for the lean period of four months.

5. Matsya Mahila Swavalambana Yojane:

This Scheme is to empower women in view of the crucial role played by them in fisheries. They have their major role in marketing of fish and fishery products. Under this Scheme a revolving fund to the tune of Rs. 10,000/- is provided to a group of fisherwomen to enable them to sustain their fisheries marketing activities.

6. Scheme of Group Accident Insurance:

Every fisherman is exposed to hazards of natural disasters while fishing in sea. There is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under which a premium of Rs. 14.00 is paid for every fisherman to the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Ltd located at New Delhi. Insurance sum of Rs. 50,000/- is payable in the case of death and Rs. 25,000/- in case of partial disability under this Scheme. At present, 60,000 fishermen of the State are provided security coverage under this Scheme.

7. Tribal Sub Plan:

This is a Scheme under which 100% subsidy is provided to Scheduled Tribe fishermen for purchase of fisheries requisites, tank and riverine fisheries development. Prior to that there is a provision of training in fisheries activities.

8. Distress Relief Fund:

In order to provide relief to fishermen or their dependents a Distress Fund has been created. Under this Fund a relief amount of Rs. 50,000/- per head is given in the case of death of a fisherman.

9. Special Component Plan:

This Scheme is for the Schedule Caste youth under which training in fisheries activities is provided. Thereafter, subsidy up 60% on inputs is provided for th purchase of fishery requisites, tank fisheries development and riverine fisheries development.