Lack of Action on Complaints Will Lead to Accountability
Lucknow: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Nishad, the Cabinet Minister for Fisheries Development in Uttar Pradesh, chaired a detailed review meeting of departmental schemes today at the Fisheries Directorate. During the meeting, Dr. Nishad emphasized the importance of timely and transparent beneficiary selection processes and payments, following complaints received from various districts regarding irregularities in these areas.
Dr. Nishad instructed officials to enhance their working methods and resolve any grievances swiftly. He made it clear that the officials must maintain utmost transparency and integrity in beneficiary selection, payment procedures, and construction works under the Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana and other related schemes.
He also stressed that 100% expenditure should be utilized for all allocated funds, and the formation of primary committees at the local level should be expedited by simplifying the process. He directed that the auction of all village ponds and rivers should be completed within the next month. Additionally, he instructed the implementation of river ranching in all rivers to protect local fish species, and emphasized that fish seed should be sourced directly from the Fish Development Corporation.
Dr. Nishad further urged that any incomplete schemes should be completed by February, without exception. He also highlighted the need to survey and immediately commence work on departmental assets transferred to Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Development Corporation and Uttar Pradesh Matsya Jeevi Cooperative Union Ltd. to increase fish productivity and production in the state.
The Minister reviewed the progress of several schemes including the formation of cooperative societies, Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana, Chief Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana, Nishad Raj Boat Scheme, and the establishment of aeration systems for intensive fish farming. He emphasized the state’s goal of becoming self-reliant in fish production and advancing the welfare of the fishing community, which is a key priority for the state government. Dr. Nishad stated that the fisheries department plays a significant role in Uttar Pradesh’s objective to become a one-trillion-dollar economy, and therefore, all schemes should be accelerated and operated consistently.
During the review, the Principal Secretary of the Fisheries Development Department, Mr. K. Ravindra Nayak, briefed the Minister about the updated progress of departmental schemes. Mr. Nayak also directed district officials to resolve beneficiary complaints promptly and ensure that all eligible individuals receive the full benefits of these schemes. He warned that failure to do so would lead to the accountability of the concerned officers.
The meeting was attended by Director M.S. Rahmani, Chief General Manager of Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd., Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Matsya Jeevi Cooperative Union Ltd., and other senior officials of the Fisheries Department.