Dr Sanjay Kumar Nishad, Minister for Fisheries in Uttar Pradesh and National President of the Nishad Party, participated in the Divisional Fishermen Conference held at the Kalyan Singh Habitat Centre in Aligarh.
Addressing fish farmers from various districts of the Aligarh division, Dr Nishad stated that both the central and state governments are committed to promoting fisheries as a vital pillar of the rural economy.
Empowering traditional communities
He emphasised that the government’s aim is to ensure the economic, social, and educational empowerment of the fishing community, enabling their active participation in the mainstream.
“Ginti se taqat milegi, taqat se barabari milegi (Strength comes from recognition, and equality comes from strength),” he asserted.
Dr Nishad outlined key welfare initiatives under both central and state governments, including:
- The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- Subsidies for pond development, fish seed distribution, and purchase of boats and engines
- Fishermen Housing Scheme, Fisheries Insurance Scheme, and Marketing Schemes
He directed officials to ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach the eligible beneficiaries in a transparent and timely manner.
Dr Nishad stressed that the UP government is actively linking youth from fishing communities to self-employment opportunities to improve their standard of living.
He encouraged the community to stay united, be aware of their rights, and actively contribute to the state’s development.
He also reviewed departmental work and attentively listened to grievances and suggestions from participants, assuring time-bound solutions.
Strong endorsement of Caste Census
Dr Nishad welcomed the Union Government’s notification on the caste census, calling it a ‘historic and bold decision’.
He said the move is not merely about numbers, but about recognising the rights, dignity, and empowerment of marginalised groups.
He further emphasised that the government will now count communities like Nishads, Mallahs, Kevats, Binds, Kashyaps, Gonds, and other water-centric backward groups, enabling them to claim proportional political, economic, and educational representation.
“Yeh ginti humein himmat degi, humein haq degi,” he said, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to social justice.
Dr Nishad reiterated the Nishad Party’s long-standing support for the caste census and urged community members to participate actively and responsibly in the process.
“Ginti hogi tabhi haq milega (Only if we’re counted will we get our rights),” he concluded.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from fish farmers, community leaders, government officials, and Nishad Party workers from across the Aligarh division.
Also Read: Minister Sanjay Nishad Visits Banda, Assures Justice For Rape And Murder Victim’s Family
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
