While the Fisheries department has launched a new scheme offering Rs 50,000 in financial aid to families of deceased registered fishermen, it is also examining a proposal by Benaulim locals to allot land at the defunct prawn hatchery for traditional fishing activities.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said they are reviewing the demand to allocate around 5,000 square metres of land at the now-defunct Benaulim hatchery site. “We are looking into the financial and practical aspects before taking a final call. In light of the changing climate and rising challenges in the sector, it is essential that the interests of fishermen are protected,” he said.
The minister also assured that traditional fishing huts on properties belonging to the Tourism Department would not be razed. “A delegation led by fisherman Pele Fernandes approached me with concerns about possible demolitions in North and South Goa. The department has since decided to ensure the huts are safeguarded,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Fisheries Department has formally notified the “Mukhel Mantri Nustekar Mazat Yevjan” (MMNMY) scheme, which will provide lump sum assistance of up to Rs 50,000 to the next of kin of deceased active fishermen who were the sole earners in their households. The scheme, which covers deaths due to any cause, will be implemented from the current financial year.
To enrol, fishers aged 18 to 70 must register annually with the Directorate of Fisheries between January 1 and March 15. Required documentation includes a valid vessel or net registration, fish seller card, orrelevant certificate from the department. Aquaculture workers must provide a Coastal Aquaculture Authority certificate and 15-year domicile proof, while temporary crew members must submit a declaration from vessel or farm owners along with proof of residence.
Fisheries Director Shamila Monteiro said the scheme aims to offer some financial stability to bereaved families, acknowledging the hazardous conditions and limited healthcare access that make the profession especially risky.