Govt committed to uplift of fishermen: Mahabubabad Collector

Mahabubabad: The government is striving hard to improve the living standards of fishermen and their families across the State, said District Collector Dr Preethi Meena here on Tuesday.

She released fishlings in the tank present under Jamandlapalli village panchayat in Mahabubabad mandal on the day. Speaking on the occasion, the Collector said that there are about 139 fishermen societies in the district and the government is taking several steps for their economical growth by introducing various types of welfare schemes.

The government is distributing 440 lakh fishlings for fishermen on 100 per cent subsidy investing about Rs 2.9 crores to release them in about 220 irrigation tanks present in about 774 village panchayats across the district, Meena explained. The fishermen must contribute 10 per cent of the profits for the development of village panchayats, she suggested.

State Fishermen Society state secretary Godugu Srinivas urged the Collector to allot a place for market yard for carrying out fish business in the district headquarters.

Responding positively to the appeal, Collector Meena assured the fishermen that necessary steps will be taken for allotment of market yard. The Collector also assured that a coordination committee meeting will be organised with the representatives of State Fishermen Society and with the officials of panchayat raj, irrigation and revenue departments for solving the issues of fishermen.

Fisheries department district officer Anjaneyulu said the government is providing financial assistance to the fishermen for construction of community hall and for purchasing a vehicle for selling fish on 70 per cent subsidy along with sanctioning loan of Rs 5 lakhs for constructing captive fish pond on 70 per cent subsidy. The fishermen must utilise this opportunity to develop economically, he advised.

Mandal Parishad President Uma Rani and village sarpanch were present along with others.