Citizen's Charter
Department of Fisheries
Introduction:
Fisheries in the national economy has gained importance both as a foreign exchange earner and as a generator of employment. In addition this sector has assumed the characteristics of an industrial enterprise. Fish is the cheapest source of protein available for human diet. The Department of Fisheries was established in the year 1957 with an object to give fillip for production of fish by utilising the rich sources of Marine and Inland sector. Karnataka has about 5.00 lakh ha of inland water resources, 8000 ha of brackish water and 300 kms. of coastline with 27,000 Sq.km of continental shelf. The department is implementing several schemes for the better utilization of the resources and for the welfare of fishermen in particular and public in general.
Our Commitments:
The Department of Fisheries is mainly responsible for the rational development and conservation of fisheries resources through its programmes and activities. The Department also strives to improve the socio-economic conditions of fishermen.
Our Objectives:
- To augment fish production through the development of inland resources by adopting judicious stocking of quality fish seed and suitable management practices.
- To encourage Marine fishermen to take up off shore and deep sea fishing as production from in shore waters has reached saturation point.
- To create employment in the rural areas.
- To improve the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen and the nutritional status of the general public.
- To earn foreign exchange.
Functions:
A. Inland Sector:
- Disposal of fishery rights of perennial and seasonal tanks by lease/tender- cum- auction.
- Licence for exploitation of fishery rights in the water bodies like reservoirs, river stretches on payment of prescribed fee.
- Assistance for marketing, preservation and processing of fish.
- Assistance for fish culture in water logged areas and own land.
- Production and supply of quality fish seed.
B. Marine Sector:
- Registration and licencing of fishing boats under KMFR Act.
- Motorisation of traditional crafts.
- Remission of Central Excise Duty on HSD used by mechanised fishing boats.
- Distress Relief Fund for fishermen.
- Construction & Maintenance of fishing harbours and fish landing jetties.
C. Fishermen Welfare Schemes:
- Insurance coverage is extended to the fishermen who are exposed to the hazards of natural calamities while fishing through Group Accident Insurance scheme.
- Provision for construction of houses, community hall and tube wells for drinking water supply is extended to fishermen folk.
- Houses are provided for the houseless fishermen through " Matsya Ashraya" scheme.
- Financial assistance is provided to the fishermen during lean months through savings-cum relief schemes.
- Development, construction & improvement of fisheries Road, Bridges, Market etc with NABARD assistance.
OTHER ORGANISATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT
This organisaation helps fishersmen to buy boats, hire boats. It helps in marketing of fish without the interference of middlemen. It helps in supply of diesel, nets, spares for boats, repair of boats etc. at a reasonable rate.
- Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation:
This organisation helps fishermen by providing Ice, cold storage and processing facilities to sell fish in fresh and hygienic condition. It also helps in marketing fresh and frozen fish through "cold chain" throughout the year. It also supply diesel oil to purse-seine boats and helps to market their catches. They provide insulated trucks for transport of fish.
- Karnataka Co-operative Fisheries Federation Ltd. Mysore:
This organisation was established to provide technical and financial assistance for development of inland waterbodies through the Fisheries Co-operative Societies (FCS). Federation is also involved in production of good quality fish seed and supply them to fish farmers. It also helps in marketing of fish through kiosks put up in rural and urban areas. It also implements Integrated Reservoir Fisheries Development scheme through Primary Co-operatives.
- Fish Farmers Development Agencies:
These Agencies are involved in the development of water bodies having water spread area of 0 – 10 ha. through trained rural youths in fisheries activities. They also provide quality seed to the trainees.
Present set up:
Apart from the State Directorate of Fisheries, the Department has spread its activities in all zones through zonal Deputy Directors and districts through Senior Asst. Director of Fisheries / Assistant Director of Fisheries – Gr.I. At taluk level Assistant Director of Fisheries – Gr.II are appointed to carry out the functions of the Department.
Publications:
- Fisheries Statistical Bulletin
- Annual Report
- Hand Bills regarding fish culture, other Department activities.
Further Commitments:
- To promote deep sea fishing
- To promote and encourage culture fisheries by private entrepreneurs
- To establish a website
Complaints and Grievances:
The public can air their grievances in writing to the Department officers at taluk, district, zonal and state levels. At the Directorate the Joint Director of Fisheries (Inland) is in charge of Public Grievance cell.
Postal Address:
Director / Joint Director of Fisheries(I),
Directorate of Fisheries,
3rd Floor, Podium Block, Visveswaraya Tower,
Bangalore - 560 001
Telephone No : 080 - 22864681
Fax No : 080 - 22864619
Sd/-
Director of Fisheries
Bangalore