The Maharashtra government has proposed financial assistance of ₹20,000 each for needy fishing families during the annual monsoon fishing ban. The proposal has been submitted by the Fisheries Department to the Finance Department for approval.
Under the proposed scheme, 8,829 fishing families across the state would receive the assistance, which is expected to cost the government around ₹17.65 crore.
The move is aimed at supporting traditional fishermen whose primary source of income is affected during the annual fishing ban. The ban, which usually runs from June 1 to July 31, was extended by 15 days this year and ended on August 15.At present, eligible fishermen receive only ₹4,500 annually under the existing financial assistance scheme, with contributions from both the Centre and the state government. The proposed increase to ₹20,000 has been recommended in view of rising living costs and the difficulties faced by fishing families during the ban period.
Assistance to Be Targeted at Needy Fishermen
The government has decided against providing the proposed assistance to all fishermen indiscriminately. Instead, it plans to identify families that are genuinely in need of financial support.
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is conducting a survey to identify eligible beneficiaries along the state’s coastline. The survey covers fishermen in Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg.
Raigad has the highest number of proposed beneficiaries, followed by Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri.
Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane said the government wants to ensure that the assistance reaches fishermen who genuinely require it. He pointed out that some fishermen own their boats and use larger fishing equipment, while others face significant financial hardship during the fishing ban.
The proposed ₹20,000 assistance is also being viewed as the fulfilment of a promise made by the Mahayuti government during the Assembly and civic elections.
If approved, the scheme could provide significant relief to traditional fishing families across Maharashtra during the period when fishing activity is suspended.
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