Norms relaxed for fishers to enrol for NFSRS

“Fisher from Tamil Nadu, who returned to the State after working in foreign countries for up to three years, need not get certificate from the concerned district Collectors. They are eligible for monetary relief under NFSRS,” Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said in a statement.

Till now, fishermen who had gone to foreign countries had to obtain identity certificate from district Collectors. However, considering the COVID-19 lockdown in place, fishermen need not obtain certificates if they had returned within three years, the Minister. The process of enrollment of fishermen under NFSRS for the current year has already commenced, Jayakumar added.

Under the scheme, which is jointly implemented by the State and central governments, fishermen have to deposit Rs 1,500 per head for a year. In return, each fisherman would receive Rs 4,500 during the lean period in the same year. Other than the contribution by fishermen, the remaining Rs 3,000 would be equally borne by the State and Centre.

The scheme benefits two lakh fishermen and 1.95 lakh women from the fisher community in Tamil Nadu. In the case of women, the State government bears the individual contribution as well. In 2019-20, State government spent Rs 118.65 crore for the scheme.

During fishing ban period, Rs 5,000 would be given while the funds under NFSRS would be given during the north east monsoon season during which the fishermen would not be able to go to sea, said Fisheries department officials.