Government Committed to the Upliftment of the Fishermen Community: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Oath-Taking Ceremony of Newly Elected Office-Bearers of the National Fishermen’s Association Held in Raipur

Raipur, June 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the state government is fully committed to the economic and social upliftment of the fishermen community and is implementing various welfare schemes to improve their livelihoods and overall well-being.

Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected Assembly-level office-bearers of the National Fishermen’s Association and a conference on social progress held at Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, the Chief Minister congratulated the newly elected representatives and urged them to work actively for the welfare and advancement of the community.

Paying tribute to former Chairman of the Fishermen Welfare Board, Bharat Lal Matiyara, he said that his contributions to the fishermen community would always be remembered and respected.

The Chief Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and is moving forward with the vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. In line with this national objective, the Chhattisgarh government has also prepared its Vision Document 2047 to guide the state’s long-term development.

Highlighting initiatives in the fisheries sector, Sai informed that an Aqua Park is being established at the Hasdeo-Bango Reservoir at a cost of ₹37 crore. The project is expected to boost fish production, processing, exports, and fisheries-based tourism in the region.

He also noted that scientific fish farming practices are being promoted at the Dudhwa Reservoir, where species such as Tilapia and Pangasius are being cultivated to enhance productivity and generate greater income opportunities for fish farmers.

The Chief Minister further stated that members of fisheries cooperative societies are being provided free accidental insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh. In addition, outstanding fish farmers are recognized annually with the prestigious Bilasa Devi Kevat Award during the state’s Rajyotsav celebrations.

Sai announced that the Gangrel Submergence Area Committee has once again been granted permission for fish farming after the contract-based system was discontinued. He described fisheries as a highly profitable livelihood option for farmers and assured that the government would continue extending all possible support for the sector’s expansion and modernization.

Sharing his experiences from the state-wide “Good Governance Festival” (Sushasan Tihar), the Chief Minister said that he had visited 31 districts to review the implementation of government schemes on the ground. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of welfare programmes reach every eligible citizen, particularly those at the grassroots level.

He also announced that a Chief Minister’s Helpline would be launched soon, enabling citizens to register grievances and seek timely solutions to their problems.

Addressing the gathering, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam said that the fishermen community has a proud and distinguished history and that Chhattisgarh possesses immense potential for fisheries development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of fish farmers and promoting their economic growth.

Netam also warned departmental officials that strict action would be taken against those found negligent in performing their duties.

Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, urged members of the community to take a pledge against substance abuse. She emphasized the importance of education for children and called upon the community to remain aware of its rights and stay united. She also appealed to people to actively participate in the upcoming census process.

The programme was also addressed by National Fishermen’s Association President Gayatri Gaygwal. Among those present were MLA Lalit Chandrakar, General Secretary Om Prakash Dheewar, Nand Kumar Singh Dheewar, and a large number of representatives and members of the fishermen community.

The event underscored the government’s efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector, improve the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities, and create sustainable opportunities for growth and development across the state.