Uttar Pradesh Minister Orders Inquiry Over Missing Insurance Certificates for Fishermen

Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad disclosed that 7,000 fishermen in Prayagraj were insured but did not receive their insurance certificates. An inquiry against the responsible officer has been launched, and the officer has been removed. Investigations are also underway concerning irregularities in pond leases for fish farming.

Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad announced on Sunday that an officer in Prayagraj had insured 7,000 fishermen but failed to provide them with their insurance certificates. An inquiry has been ordered into the matter, he told reporters at a press conference at the Circuit House.

Insurance applications were received from 7,000 fishermen in the district, and they were insured, the minister said. However, the fishermen did not receive their insurance certificates, leaving them unaware of their coverage. Nishad mentioned that the officer responsible for this has been removed from their position and the department will organize camps to distribute the certificates to the insured fishermen.

Nishad did not disclose the name of the officer. Regarding irregularities in the lease of ponds for fish farming in Prayagraj, he noted that some officials had inappropriately allotted leases and Mukhyamantri Sampada Yojana funds to unsuitable individuals. These officials are now under investigation as well.

During a departmental review meeting, Nishad highlighted that individuals involved in fish farming support activities could benefit from the Kisan Credit Card. He stated that the department would verify applications of those associated with fish farming in alignment with RBI guidelines. Out of 2,300 applications for the Kisan Credit Card in Prayagraj, only 168 have been issued so far. A campaign to issue Kisan Credit Cards for fishermen is set to be launched on October 15.

(With inputs from agencies.)