Cabinet nod to fishermen welfare scheme

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Thursday approved a Rs.640 crore scheme to provide basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation, better living standards and social security for the fishermen's community, said a statement.

According to the statement, the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen in the 12th five year plan will focus on providing basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation in fishermen's villages.

It will also provide a better living standard and offer social security for active fishermen and their dependants besides economic security.

The statement also said that an additional 4,600 houses will be built for the community annually while 3.5 lakh fishermen will be covered under a saving-cum-relief plan every year.

An additional 3 lakh fishermen will be covered under group accident insurance.