Page 49 - BANKING FINANCE MARCH 2024

ARTICLE

Activities supported under Pradhan (h) Generation of gainful employment opportunities

Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (i) Increase in domestic fish consumption.
Development of hatcheries, rearing ponds, Biofloc units, (j) Encouragement of private investment and facilitation
Cage culture in reservoirs, Open sea cages, Seaweed of growth of entrepreneurship in Fisheries sector.
culture, Bivalve culture, Ornamental and Recreational
fisheries, Acquisition of deep sea fishing vessels, Upgradation End implementing agencies
of existing fishing vessels, Safety kits for fishermen, Boats (i) Central Government &its entities including National
and nets for traditional fishermen, Communication and Fisheries Development Board
tracking devices, Construction of cold storage, Ice plants, (ii) State / UT Governments & their entities
fish meal plants, Construction of fish retail markets, kiosks, (iii) State Fisheries Development Boards
Fish value added enterprises units, Quality testing labs, (iv) Any other end Implementing Agencies
Insurance of fishermen and fishing vessels.
In addition to implementation of Pradhan
The anticipated outcomes on account of implementation of
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) are as Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Government of
below: India took initiatives by
(a) The fish production is likely to be enhanced from 13.75 Establishment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture
million metric tons (2018-19) to 22 million metric tons Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) in 2018-19.
by 2024-25 Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities are being extended to
(b) A sustained average annual growth of about 9% in fish fishermen and fish farmers to assist them in meeting
production is expected. their working capital needs.

(c) Reasonable increase in the contribution of GVA of
References:
fisheries sector to the Agriculture GVA.
1. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying,
(d) Double export earnings. Government of India
(e) Enhancement of productivity in aquaculture. 2. https://pmmsy.dof.gov.in
(f) Reduction of post-harvest losses 3. https://dof.gov.in/statistics
(g) Doubling of incomes of fishers and fish farmers. 4. https://www.pib.gov.in

Rs. 75K crore solar scheme to offer homes 300 units free electricity

Prime minister (PM) Narendra Modi launched the Rs.75,000 crore rooftop solar scheme for providing free electricity
to consumers. PM Modi said, "In order to further sustainable development and people's wellbeing, we are launch-
ing the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This project, with an investment of over Rs 75,000 crores, aims to light up
1 crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month."
"From substantive subsidies, which will be given directly to people's bank accounts, to heavily concessional bank
loans, the Central Government will ensure that there is no cost burden on the people. All stakeholders will be inte-
grated to a National Online Portal which will further convenience," PM Modi said in a post on X.
He further said that in order to popularise this scheme at the grassroots, urban local bodies and panchayats will be
incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems in their jurisdictions. At the same time, the scheme will lead to more
income, lesser power bills and employment generation for people, he added.
"Let's boost solar power and sustainable progress. I urge all residential consumers, especially youngsters, to strengthen
the PM - Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana by applying at -- pmsuryaghar.gov.in," PM Modi said.

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