Compensation to fishers: Officials taken to task

Mangaluru: Minister of fisheries, ports and inland water transport Mankal S Vaidya took officials of the fisheries department to task for not releasing compensation to the tune of Rs 3.6 crore to fishermen for the past one year.
At a review meeting held here on Friday, the minister said that compensation was not released in connection with instances of death of fishermen, and damage caused to boats and houses. The minister warned the officials of disciplinary action, and promised to release funds for the purpose.
The minister said that steps will be taken to release compensation pending from the state government, under the Karnataka Fishermen Distress Relief Fund immediately. “Rs 3.6 crore is pending to be released under the fund for affected fishermen in Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The previous BJP government had neglected the fishermen. Out of Rs 3.6 crore pending, Rs 1.6 crore will be released immediately, and officials should release it to applicants on basis of seniority,” Vaidya said, adding 20 cases pertaining to the death of fishermen, damage to boats and other instances are pending in Mangaluru.
Even the group insurance scheme under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has failed to reach the families in 20 cases of Mangaluru, he said. “Necessary documents must be submitted within three months of the death of the fisherman, in case of any eventuality. Due to lack of information, there may be a delay in submitting the documents. We will appeal to the Centre to consider all the 20 cases,” he added.
The minister directed officials to visit the homes of victims and get documents required to claim compensation. “Give sufficient publicity for the group insurance under PMMSY,” he added. The minister directed joint director of fisheries department, Harish Kumar, to submit a report on the requirement of kerosene for fishermen for the next 10 months. An action plan will help the government ensure supply of kerosene under subsidy to fishermen from September 1, he said, adding that fishermen have not received kerosene in the past few months. He also directed the officials to provide water supply to the fishing harbour in Mangaluru.