Fishers set Nov 4 deadline to release fund
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 01 2021:
Around 244 Fishery Co-operative Societies from four districts of the state have made known their intention of not attending the Fish Fair organised by the state government in connection with Ningol Chakkouba Festival, if it fails to release the funds sanctioned by the central government for registered Fishery Co-operative Societies, by November 4.Addressing a press meet jointly organised by JAC Fishery Co-operative Society Kakching, Bishnupur, Imphal East and Imphal West at Manipur Press Club here on Monday, JAC joint secretary Nongmaithem Santa said that with the aim of increasing fish production in 2020 and 2021, the central government had sanctioned Rs 129 crore for registered Fishery-Co-operative Societies in the state.
However, the funds lapsed on July 31 this year, following which it was extended for 6 more months.
Recounting that the JAC met the CM on August 21 and urged for utilisation of the funds within the extended time period, Santa said that the CM had assured of re leasing Rs 39 crore for Fishery Co-operative Societies of Kakching, Bishnupur, Imphal East and Imphal West.
However, the funds were never released till date.
Urging the government to hold a cabinet meeting at the earliest and release the funds by November 4, Santa cautioned that the 244 Societies will not participate in the Fish Fair on November 5, which is to be organised by the state government in connection with Ningol Chakkouba Festival, in case of failing to do so.
He further cautioned of launching intense agitations from November 7 onwards.