Even while urging the fishermen and workers involved in fishing activities to enrol themselves as members of the Fishermen Welfare Board, the Fisheries Department officials warned the fishermen using banned nets. The State Fisheries Department conducted an awareness meeting for the fishermen of Mettur Dam and fish workers in Konandiyur village in Mecheri block recently. M. Kathiresan, Inspector of Fisheries, said that fishermen in the age group of 18-65 years involved in sea and inland fishing; workers employed in fishing boats and catamarans, drying the fish, workers repairing the fishing nets, those selling fish on headloads, tri-cycles, those employed in fishling breeding units could enrol themselves as members of the State Fishermen Welfare Board by approaching the office of the assistant director of fisheries in their respective districts. The Board extended financial assistance of Rs. one lakh each to members of the board who suffered accidental death, fishermen missing and could not be traced, losing both the legs, losing both the hands, losing single hand and leg; compensation of Rs. 50,000 to the fishermen who lost one hand/one leg; Rs. 20,000 who suffered serious injuries; Rs. 15,000 for natural death and Rs. 2,500 for funeral expenses. The Board also sanctioned educational scholarship ranging between Rs. 1,250 and Rs. 6,750 for the wards; marriage assistance of Rs. 3,000/Rs. 5,000 and maternity assistance of Rs. 6,000 both for women. Mr. Kathiresan urged the fishermen to desist from using the fishing nets banned by the department, as they will destroy the young fish.
2016, The Hindu