Goa government committed to extending central and state fishery benefits to every household, says CM Pramod Sawant
Panjim, July 10
Affirming the state government's commitment to the coastal community, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that welfare schemes are being aggressively targeted to ensure they reach the doorstep of every individual involved in the state's traditional fishing sector.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a special event organised by the Department of Fisheries to commemorate National Fisheries Day, which saw a turnout of over a thousand fish farmers, aquaculture entrepreneurs, and traditional fishermen.
"We organised a program today to celebrate National Fisheries Day on behalf of the Government of Goa's Fisheries Department. Joining me was the Fisheries Minister, Nilkanth Halarnkar, along with over a thousand fish farmers, including traditional fishermen who venture into the sea for fishing, who all gathered here today," Chief Minister Sawant said.
Emphasising the vital role played by women in driving Goa's local fish economy, Sawant highlighted that dedicated programs were rolled out during the day to support them.
"Notably, women involved in this sector were also present, and a program was held to distribute traditional fishing kits to them," he added.
The state government distributed financial assistance and equipment under both central and local welfare structures to bolster the livelihoods of the coastal stakeholders.
"Benefits were extended to everyone today under the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana' as well as various state-level schemes. Our government will always work to ensure these schemes reach the home of every single fisherman in Goa," the Chief Minister said, reiterating the vision of a self-reliant blue economy.
The event concluded with interactive sessions where departmental experts briefed traditional fish workers on modern navigation and safety gear provided by the administration.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but the proof is in the pudding. We've seen many schemes announced only to fizzle out. The traditional fishermen I know still struggle with middlemen and loan sharks. Hope the CM ensures these benefits don't get stuck in bureaucratic delays.
Love seeing the focus on women in fisheries! My aai has been selling fish in the market for 30 years, and she says many women still lack basic equipment. Traditional fishing kits will make their work safer and more dignified. Kaam ki baat hai! 👩🌾🎣
As someone who worked on marine projects in India, I've seen how crucial PMMSY is for sustainable fisheries. Goa's emphasis on safety gear is smart—reducing accidents at sea is a priority. Let's hope other coastal states follow suit.
Only 1000 fishermen attended? That's a drop in the ocean considering Goa has thousands more. The real test will be whether these benefits reach the remote villages and small-scale fisherfolk who couldn't make it to Panjim. Acha karo toh sabko dikhe!
Blue economy is the future! The interactive sessions on modern navigation and safety gear are long overdue. Many traditional boats still lack basic life jackets. Good move by the Sawant government to combine technology with tradition. 🚢✨
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.