PMMSY: Empowering Assam's Fisheries Sector For Economic Growth, Livelihood Security

Guwahati: Assam's abundant aquatic resources are crucial for economic development, livelihood generation, and food security. The Fishery Department of the Government of Assam is responsible for developing, managing, and promoting sustainable growth in the state's fisheries sector. Its key objectives include enhancing fish production, promoting sustainable resource management, providing livelihood support, protecting indigenous fish species and biodiversity, and training fishers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in modern aquaculture techniques. This ensures the state's economic development and food security.

Recently, Business North East (BNE) conducted an exclusive interview with the Director of Fisheries, Gauri Sankar Das, to learn about the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and how it is helping people in the fishery sector.

Director of Fisheries, Gauri Sankar Das, with journalist Priyanka Chakrabarty

Here are the excerpts from the Q&A interview:

BNE: Can you tell us more about the recent registration of 193,265 individuals under GAIS?

Director: Certainly, the Fishery Department of the Government of Assam has registered 1,93,265 individuals aged between 18 and 70 who are engaged in fishery-related activities. This registration was done under 'GAIS,' in alignment with the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). The coverage is valid from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025.

BNE: How does the GAIS PMMSY portal facilitate the insurance claim process for beneficiaries?

Director: The GAIS PMMSY portal is an online platform developed to streamline the insurance claim process for individuals and families involved in the fisheries sector. It ensures transparency and efficiency by allowing beneficiaries to submit claims for accidental death, permanent disability, partial disability, or hospitalization directly. 

They can also track the status of their claims. The portal allows for the digital submission of essential documents, minimizing paperwork, and integrates with state and national authorities for swift claim verification and settlement. Approved claims are directly credited to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

BNE: Can you share some specific instances where the GAIS has provided timely assistance to families?

Director: Absolutely. After the unfortunate death of Shanto Das, his wife, Rupali Das, received Rs. 5 lakh through DBT after the successful completion of documentation and verification via the GAIS PMMSY portal. Similarly, the family of Late Parimal Biswas from Rajabari, Kamrup Metro, also received Rs. 5 lakh. Another case is Sadhan Das from Hojai town, who received Rs. 23,746 for hospitalization due to injuries sustained during a boat accident.

BNE: How does this initiative reflect the state's commitment to the welfare of the fisheries sector?

Director: This initiative underscores the state's commitment to safeguarding fish farmers' livelihood and providing a safety net against unforeseen accidents. It ensures timely financial assistance to the affected families, reinforcing the state's dedication to the welfare of the fisheries sector.

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BNE: Who is responsible for implementing this scheme, and how does it fit into the larger framework of the PMMSY?

Director: The Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) under the Union Ministry of Fisheries is implemented by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) based in Hyderabad. This scheme is part of the larger Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which aims to provide financial security to individuals dependent on the fisheries sector for their livelihood.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a scheme launched by the Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying to promote ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially inclusive development of the fisheries sector in India. The scheme aims to bring about a Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector, with a total investment of Rs. 20,050 crore. 

PMMSY is implemented in all States and Union Territories for five years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25. In the Union Budget 2023-24, a new sub-scheme with an investment of Rs. 6,000 crore has been announced to enable the activities of fish vendors, fishermen, and micro and small enterprises. 

The objectives of PMMSY include harnessing the potential of the fisheries sector in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive, and equitable manner, enhancing fish production and productivity, modernizing and strengthening the value chain, doubling fishers and fish farmers' incomes and generating meaningful employment, improving the contribution of the fisheries sector to Agricultural GVA and exports, ensuring social, physical, and economic security for fishers and fish farmers, and building a robust fisheries management and regulatory framework.