Maradu municipality has begun distribution of fishing boats and fishing nets to fisherfolk in the municipality’s jurisdiction. Under the scheme, eligible fishers receive boats and nets with a 75% subsidy.
The local body has delivered three out of the 10 boats allocated during the previous financial year, and the remaining boats will be delivered to beneficiaries in the coming weeks.
Municipality chairman Antony Ashanparambil said the tender was given for the bidder who quoted the least price and fishing nets worth Rs 5,000 is given to fishers through Matsyafed, a cooperative federation of fisheries department.
Ashanparambil said that the local body has also allocated funds for fishers for projects that provide 100% subsidy to eligible individuals.
To be eligible for the assistance, a person should be an active fisherman/woman below the age of 60 and a member of fishermen welfare fund board. “Those who are in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category is given preference,” said Ashanparambil.