Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, November 12:
In a break with what has almost become a tradition, the fish fair organized every year by the fisheries department before the Ningol Chakouba festival will not be held this year.
This was decided during a meeting of the officials of the fisheries department held recently.
The decision has also been made known to the relevant authorities of the state government.
The director of fisheries, N Birmani Singh speaking to IFP, said the decision taken by the officials was the right one, and there has been no pressure on the part of the government to hold the fish fair.
He said that at this juncture, it would be a tough job on the part of the department to organize the fish fair, particularly as most of the employees are on cease work strike spearheaded by the Joint Administrative Council (AMGEO and AMTUC).
He said the pending prizes of last year's fish fair, amounting to a total of Rs 2,2,000 for first, second and third position holders, and another Rs 6000 for 10 consolation prize winners will be distributed after the Ningol Chakouba during the inauguration of the 5-tonne ice plant coming up at Lamphelpat.
He said the ice plant would most likely be inaugurated in the middle of December.
Prospects for holding the fish fair this year were already dim because of the poor response from fish farmers.
According to department sources, due to the failure to implement various grants and subsidies meant for fish farmers for the last ten years, fish farmers have been rejecting the requests of the department to take part in the fair.
Director Birmani reiterated that the failure to implement the grants and subsidies under public contact schemes meant for local fish farmers was on account of the acute financial crush faced by the government.
He said the budget of the department was used in giving the salaries of the department's employees, and it is in a constant deficit position.
On the other hand, the director reported, the department has successfully completed a trial research project for rearing of the giant fresh water prawn.