Uttar Pradesh’s Fisheries Minister Dr Sanjay Kumar Nishad addressed a regional seminar at Subhash Chandra Bose Auditorium in Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut.
During the event, he informed fish farmers and fisherfolk about various government schemes and emphasised the immense potential of fisheries in the Meerut division.
“Empowerment of the fishing community is a commitment of the state government,” Dr Nishad stated. “We aim to make Meerut division a leading region in fisheries development.”
Schemes to uplift the fisherfolk community
Dr Nishad outlined several central and state-run schemes, such as:
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
- Mukhyamantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
- Fishermen Accident Insurance Scheme
- Kisan Credit Card for fisheries
- Aeration systems for intensive fish farming
- Nishad Raj Boat Scheme
- Mata Suketa Cage System
- Fishermen Welfare Fund (covering education, health, housing, marriage assistance, and natural disaster relief)
He highlighted that these schemes are not just on paper but are being implemented on the ground to elevate the standard of living for the fishing community.
From traditional livelihoods to modern empowerment
Dr Nishad emphasised that the fishing community would no longer be seen through the lens of traditional livelihoods alone.
The government has committed to providing modern technology, training, financial support, and social security to help them become economically self-reliant and gain social respect.
He further stressed the government’s focus on connecting youth with self-employment opportunities, enabling access to banking, and increasing their income to make them active contributors to Uttar Pradesh’s economic development.
Plans to build fisheries infrastructure in Meerut
Recognising the potential in Meerut, the minister announced that the government is actively working to establish:
- Modern hatcheries
- Fish seed production centres
- Cold storage facilities
- Fish markets
- Training centers
- Supportive infrastructure
He also revealed plans to implement a Cluster-Based Fisheries Development Scheme in the region, which will bring fishermen together for collective production, marketing, and direct access to government support.
Education and health support for fisherfolk
The government is working on initiatives to support the next generation of the community, including:
- Educational incentives
- Scholarships
- Special coaching
- Technical training
- Health insurance
“We will transform Meerut division into the most advanced fisheries zone in Uttar Pradesh,” Dr Nishad asserted. “Every effort will be made to uplift the fishing community.”
Caste Census: A landmark for social justice
Dr Nishad praised the Central Government’s move to notify the caste-based census, calling it a historic and courageous step toward social justice and structural reform.
“This isn’t just about counting numbers,” he said. “It is about securing rights, ensuring representation in education, politics, economy, and dignity for the traditionally marginalised communities.”
He stated that the census will bring to light the true population of communities like Nishad, Mallah, Kevat, Bind, Gond, Batham, Dheewar, Majhi, and Rayakwar, who are dependent on water bodies.
He said, “Rightful entitlement and equal representation come from correct counting,” and urged every sub-caste of the fishing community to take part responsibly in the census and accurately record their identity, especially under categories like Majhwar and Turha.
A step toward equitable representation
Dr Nishad credited the Nishad Party’s long-standing advocacy for this development and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reaffirming his government’s commitment to social justice.
“This decision empowers the deprived and provides them the strength to stand on equal footing,” he concluded.
The event witnessed the presence of a large number of fish farmers, community representatives, officials, and Nishad Party workers from various districts across the Meerut division.
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