Govt for comprehensive Insurance for fishermen: Sarma

Thiruvananthapuram, June 27 (UNI) Kerala Fisheries Minister S Sarma today told the Assembly that the Government was planning to introduce ''Matsyasureksha'', a comprehensive Insurance scheme for fishermen in the state.

Replying to questions by Mr Anathalavattom Anandan (CPM) and others, he said the Government was expecting to implement the scheme in the current financial year itself.

Under the Insurance scheme, a compensation of Rs one lakh would be given to the fisherman's family in case of death and Rs 50,000 to those who suffered serious injuries while engaged in fishing, he said.

Mr Sarma said the premium would be one per cent of the total unit cost and it would be calculated according to the size of the traditional crafts. The fishermen would get a compensation of 50 per cent of the unit cost.

The Insurance would also cover the engines fitted in the traditional boats and also for nets, which was part of the fishing unit, he said and added the compensation limit would be a maximum of Rs 20,000.

The Minister also stated that the scheme would be implemented through the Kerala Fishermen Workers Welfare Board and a sum of Rs 90 lakh had been earmarked in the budget for this.

The Government was seriously taking into note the lapse in providing compensation to the kin of those missing in the sea, who had to wait for five long years now.

Mr Sarma also informed that the Government would ask the Centre to change the National Calamity norms, in order to avoid inordinate delay for Insurance claims.

UNI