News: Margao correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network – Margao (VA)

Margao, Jul 17:  On Friday July 16, the Goa became the first state in the country to implement the centrally sponsored scheme of providing safety equipments to fishermen.

To mark the launching of this unique scheme minister for fisheries Joaquim Alemao distributed the safety equipments to 191 fishermen at a function held here.

The safety equipments possessing very high frequency has global positioning system. It will facilitate the employees of the fisheries department to communicate with the fishermen at sea and inform them of any danger that may cause due to cyclones, waves and other things well in advance.

Each safety instrument has cost Rs 63000 of which trawler owners and the fishermen will have to bear Rs 15500 and the rest subsidy. An amount of Rs 1.23 crores has been incurred on providing safety equipments to the fishermen with 90.63 lac subsidy. Under the scheme the identification and tracking instrument will also be given to the beneficiaries soon.

Speaking on the occasion, Joaquim Alemao highlighted the importance of the safety equipments to ensure safety of fishermen at sea.  He said, as many as 67 fishing workers from Goa lost their lives in Phyan ( cyclone ) that hit the state last year for want of safety equipments and therefore the implementation of the scheme is crucial.

The Government also hiked the subsidy on kerosene from Rs. 12000 to Rs 18 000 and also offered subsidy on diesel to boat owners. Similarly, a new scheme has been prepared to provide life jackets to the fishermen who will envisage 75% subsidy to fishing community.

S C Verekar, director of fisheries welcomed the gathering and Nandkishore Verelekar, deputy director proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Sharmila Monteiro, deputy director compered the function.