Insurance policy for Kerala fisher folk

The Kerala government has firmed up plans to introduce an integrated insurance policy for the state's fisheries sector.

Kerala's minister for fisheries, S Sarma, told the Assembly on Wednesday that his department had charted out the initial plan for the insurance policy, which will be christened 'Matsya Suraksha'.

As per the insurance policy, the government will ensure that an amount of Rs 1 lakh is paid to the kin of fisher folk who die in mishaps. An amount of Rs 50,000 will be paid to those who are rendered physically invalid while engaged in their work.

This apart, fishing equipment such as fishing boats, boat engines, and nets would also be covered under the policy.

He said the policy, which will come into force this year itself, would cover all those who are involved in fisheries and related sectors.