Assistance applicable irrespective of cause of death; scheme comes into force from current financial year
PANAJI
The State government on Thursday announced financial assistance of upto Rs 50,000 to the next kin of the deceased fisher, who was the active fishermen and the sole breadwinner.
The Directorate of Fisheries has notified “Mukhel Mantri Nustekar Mazat Yevjan” (MMNMY), under which the financial compensation will be provided to the family, irrespective of the cause of death of the fisher. The scheme will come into force from the current financial year.
However, to avail the benefit in future, the fisher, who is more than 18 years of age but below 70 years, will have to register himself with the department under the scheme.
Director Fisheries Shamila Monteiro said that the scheme is being implemented for providing financial assistance in the form of family benefit to the bereaved households in case of the death of the active fishermen who is a breadwinner “irrespective of the cause of death”. The family benefit will be paid to the next of kin of the deceased fisher.
“A compensation not exceeding to Rs 50,000 will be given as lump sum assistance to the next of kin of the deceased fisher who has enrolled under the scheme,” she said.
She said working conditions of fishermen/ crew/ allied workers involved in commercial fishing whether onshore or offshore are challenging, strenuous with long hours and seasonal employment.
“Fishermen may have a shorter life expectancy due to the inherently dangerous nature of their profession, which includes exposure to harsh weather conditions, heavy physical labour, long hours at sea, potential for accidents with fishing equipment, and limited access to healthcare, all of which can contribute to a higher risk of early death from natural causes like heart disease, stroke and musculoskeletal disorders,” Monteiro said in the notification.
The coverage period under the scheme is from April 1 to March 31 of every year. The applicant has to apply to the Department from January 1 to March 15, annually in order to enroll under the policy.
To register, the fisherman has to possess either a valid Vessel Registration Certificate or Net Registration Certificate or fish seller card or any registration certificate issued by the Department. In the case of Fish Farmer/ Aquaculture, the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) certificate along with a proof of 15 years domicile be provided. The beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Blue Revolution scheme with valid 15 years residence certificate can also apply.
In the case of crew working temporarily on the fishing vessel/ fish farm, the certificate from owner of the vessel stating that the individual is working as crew on his/ her vessel or from owner of the fish farm stating that the individual is working as worker, is mandatory along with 15-year domicile.
