Naveen woos fishermen with Rs 30-crore package

BHUBANESWAR: As the panchayat elections are on the threshold, the Naveen Patnaik Government seems to have gone into a overdrive. Scheme after scheme; package after package, there is no end to playing to the gallery. The latest is a Rs 2-a-kg rice scheme for the marine fishermen community.With the ban on fishing along the coast in effect for seven months, the Odisha Government on Thursday announced that it would provide Rs 2-a-kg rice for the period through a special public distribution system (PDS). For the period between November and May, the marine fishermen will get 25 kg a month at the announced price. The scheme is targeted at benefiting 10,000 fishermen along the coast. Since the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles arrive along the Odisha coast for mass nesting, fishing is banned to avoid casualty. The ban, for long, has been a contentious issue as the coastal fisherfolks have objected to it for causing loss of livelihood. However, taking advantage of the season, both turtle mating and election, the Government announced the special scheme as part of the comprehensive Rs 30 crore package which is aimed at wooing the fishermen community. The fishermen will get fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats instead of wooden boats for fishing. Those willing to use motors in country boats, the Government will offer a subsidy of 50 per cent.Similarly, a rebate of Rs 12,000 will also be given for purchase of boat as well as fishing nets. The Government will also encourage cage fish culture in reservoirs.At a meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister, it was decided that a group insurance scheme will be floated under which at least 10 lakh fishermen will be covered. That’s not all. The Government went a step further by announcing that fishermen families will be entitled to four decimal land under the Vasundhara Yojana, while those under below poverty line (BPL) category will be given dwelling units under the Mo Kudia Yojana.The 15-point package of the Government also included a Rs 5,000 allowance for eye treatment under Netrajyoti Scheme and special scholarship for higher education for the children of fishermen. Similarly, medical help to those afflicted with serious diseases and a Rs 10,000 revolving fund for women self-help groups will be extended. Sea weed culture will also be promoted to encourage alternative livelihood practices.