Raipur, Nov 21:
Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has said that the state government will take initiative to give agriculture status to fish farming in Chhattisgarh. The state government has given instructions to the officials to take action for this.
Chief Minister said that the initiative of providing interest-free loans from the cooperative bank for fisheries and rebate to the Nishad, Kewat and Dhimar community, like the rebate in electricity rates to agriculture farmers. Chief Minister Mr. Baghel was addressing the conference of Chhattisgarh Fishermen Community organised on the occasion of World Fisheries Day at his residence office here on Saturday. After lighting the traditional lamp, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated the program by worshiping the boat, canoe and net along with the puja rituals of Lord Shri Ram. Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Ravindra Chaubey presided over the program.
Home Minister Mr. Tamradhwaj Sahu, Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Kunwar Singh Nishad, Ms. Shakuntala Sahu and Mr. Vikas Upadhyay, President of Chhattisgarh State Fishermen Welfare Board Mr. M.R. Nishad, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Mineral Development Corporation, Mr. Girish Dewangan was present as special guest. On this occasion, Mr. Baghel distributed motorcycle cum ice box to 15 fishermen and auto cum ice box to 2 fishermen. On this occasion, he also distributed a cheque of first installment amounting to Rs. 40,000 each under the Fishermen Housing Scheme to 10 fishermen beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister said that the state government’s schemes should bring positive changes in the lives of the people of the fishermen community. Grant-in-aid is being given to fishermen in various schemes, but this has not changed much in their economic condition. For this, it is necessary that Nishad, Kewat society should follow the scientific method of fish farming and manage the sale of the fish produced, it will not only improve the economic condition of the fishermen and with this initiative Chhattisgarh will rank first in the country in fish production like paddy production. The state government will provide all possible help to the people of the society in these areas also. He said that society should pay attention to the system of good education of children. Also it should be kept in mind that children are mentally and physically strong. When children are educated and strong, they will be able to get their rights themselves. He said that it is the effort of the state government that every section can be strengthened financially. He also mentioned loan waiver of farmers, Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyaya Yojana, Godhan Nyaya Yojana, purchase of minor forest produce at government price, distribution of forest rights pattas, English Medium School Scheme. Referring to the demand for reservation made by the society, Mr. Baghel said that it is a long process.
Presiding over the program, Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Ravindra Choubey said that every year one thousand youths of fishermen community will be distributed motor cycle grant along with ice box. Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, many new schemes have been started by the state government for all classes. Vote of thanks was expressed by Director Fisheries Mr. V.K. Shukla. Representatives of fishermen society were present on this occasion in large numbers.
