The JAC of Fisheries Co-operative Society of Bishnupur, Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching has resolved not to take part in Ningol Chakouba fish fair if the state government fails to release the fund of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) by November 4.
In a press conference held at Manipur Press Club on Monday, the JAC joint secretary said that the committee has been urging to release the NCDC fund of Rs 129 crore which is exclusively for fish farmers. In this regard, the JAC had submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister N Biren Singh on August 21, 2021, for which he assured to discuss the matter in the cabinet meeting to release the fund soon.
However, the state government never conducted the cabinet meeting till date, he added.
He continued that the JAC again sent a reminder to the chief minister on September 18 but there has been no response from the government side.
“Though the CM always shouted to make the state a self-reliant in fish production, the authority concerned is demoralising many fish farmers with the irresponsible act,” said the JAC joint secretary.
He also said that they had invested huge amounts of money to register their fish farms costing around Rs 13,000 per Pari (1.01 Hectares) of land, but the government has failed to extend its support in time. How would the fish farmers survive if the state government neglected them? He questioned.
Condemning the act of the state government, all the registered 254 fish farmers of the said four districts will not join the Ningol Chakouba fish fair if the state government fails to fulfill their demand by November 4.
If the government continues to remain unresponsive to the demand, the JAC will intensify the agitation from November 7, he added.
On the other hand, Fishery Minister S Rajen has appealed to the JAC not to stay away from Fish fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition 2021.
The minister was speaking to the media persons during a press briefing held on Tuesday at his conference hall at Old Secretariat, Imphal West. He said that the schedule of this year’s fish festival and place has been already announced. It will be organised at Mapal Kangjeibung at the western side of Johnstone Higher Secondary School on November 5.
Clarifying the non-release of NCDC fund, Rajen informed that beneficiaries of fishery societies under NCDC have a deal with Manipur Cooperative Society. He said that the matter is not related to the fishery department.
He continued that the JAC of Fishery Societies’ call for not participating in the Ningol Chakouba festival is unfortunate as it is one of the biggest festivals of the state.
He appealed to the members of the fishery societies to cooperate with the government and join the Fish fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition 2021.
