(a) whether the Government has conducted any study on the occupational, social and
financial hazards faced by the fishermen community in the country;
(b) if so, the details of the report and the measures adopted to overcome these
impediments including protecting the fishermen community from attacks, arrests etc. by
foreign countries; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to provide facility for fish processing, storage
and marketing?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a)&(b) No, Madam. However, a supplemental scheme called `Coastal Security Scheme` is
under implementation by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the 9 Coastal States and 4 Coastal
Union Territories since 2005 for strengthening infrastructure for coastal patrolling and
surveillance. Under the scheme, assistance has been/is being given to all the coastal
States and UTs to set up 73 coastal police stations, 97 check posts, 58 out posts and 30
operational barracks and to equip them with 204 boats, 153 jeeps and 312 motor cycles for
mobility on the coast and in close coastal water.
(c) The Union Government is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) on Development
of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure & Post Harvest Operations to develop Post Harvest
infrastructure operations with a view to augment fish production, ensuring food safety,
generate more self employment opportunities for fisherwomen in fish processing & marketing,
increase per capita fish consumption, improving socio-economic conditions of fishers and
empowering women. Besides National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) provides financial
assistance for implementation of scheme for establishment of required infrastructural
facilities for hygienic handling, post harvest processing, storage, value addition, marketing
of fish and modernization of fishing harbour and fish landing centres in various States/UTs.