Maharashtra Government Rolls Out Relief Package for Rain-Affected Fishermen

The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step in aiding fishermen whose livelihoods have been devastated due to this year's heavy rainfall and floods. In a government resolution issued on Wednesday, the state has cleared a relief package aimed directly at addressing the extensive damages sustained by fishermen's resources and equipment.

Compensations will be provided in various categories: Rs 6,000 for partially damaged boats, Rs 15,000 for completely destroyed ones. For damaged nets, the package assigns Rs 4,000 and Rs 3,000 for complete and partial damages, respectively. Additionally, fishermen losing fish seed and stock are entitled to Rs 10,000 per hectare and Rs 60 per kilogram, up to half of the expected production.

Diligent verification and distribution processes have been laid out, requiring district officials' ground assessment and prompt fund release through the DBT system. Local stakeholders like fisheries cooperative societies will play a key role in ensuring authentic reporting. Oversight and periodic review will be conducted by the fisheries commissioner to guarantee effectiveness.