Kerala to extend insurance cover to fishermen for natural deaths, illness and heart attacks

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala will introduce an insurance scheme covering registered fishermen in the event of natural deaths, including those caused by illness or heart attacks, Fisheries Minister V E Abdul Gafoor has said.

At present, insurance coverage is available to fishermen only in cases of accidental death or disability resulting from accidents. Deaths from natural causes are not covered, the minister said in a statement.

The new scheme will extend insurance coverage to all registered fishermen in the state, he said.

The minister announced the decision during a meeting with representatives of boat owners' organisations in the fisheries sector on Thursday.
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Vessel licence renewal issues to be addressed

The meeting also decided to address issues related to the renewal of licences for fishing vessels whose validity has expired.

The government will also amend the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act to make it relevant to current circumstances, Gafoor said.

The legislation, enacted in 1980, is being considered for an update in view of changes in the fisheries sector.

An expert committee will be appointed to examine the existing law and submit a report. The government will then take steps to amend the legislation after seeking the views of stakeholders in the fisheries sector, the minister said.
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Compensation for MSC Elsa 3 losses

The government will intervene to ensure compensation for losses suffered by fishermen in connection with the sinking of the MSC Elsa 3, the minister said.

The matter is currently pending before the Kerala High Court.

The meeting also decided to reconstitute the Fisheries Management Council and take steps to ensure that it functions at full capacity, he added.

 

PTI