UPSC Current affairs - National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen

National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen

 

About:

  • The Centrally Sponsored ‘National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen’ provides financial assistance to fishersfor the construction of house among other things.
  • This Scheme is a component of the Scheme ‘Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries’.

 

Components –

  • The 3 components of the ‘National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen’ are,
  • Development of Model Fishermen Villages – Construction of house, community hall for recreation and common working place and installation of tube-wells for drinking water,
  • Group Accident Insurance for Active Fishermen and Assistance during lean period through Saving-cum-Relief.

 

Background:

  • The scheme is operated through States/ UT’s/ FISHCOPFED (Insurance component only).
  • For Housing, the State Governments may ensure equitable distribution of houses among all villages in proportion to the number of eligible fishermen, as far as possible.
  • The plinth area and cost of construction of a house would be limited to 35 Sq. mts and Rs 40,000/- respectively.
  • The State Government may plan and ensure optimizing the use of available resources so that more number of houses could be built within the budgeted amount.

 

Eligibility –

The States should keep the following criteria in view while selecting beneficiaries for allotment of houses under the scheme,

  • Beneficiary should be an active fisherman identified by the State Government.
  • Preference should be given to fishermen below poverty line and to landless fishermen.
  • Fishermen owning land or kutcha structure may also be considered for allotment of houses under the scheme.

 

Source: THE HINDU.