“Will fight for Fisherfolk Rights Equally in UP and Bihar: Minister Dr. Sanjay Kumar Nishad”

Patna/Lucknow, India – Addressing the media at a press conference held at Patna Circuit House, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Nishad, Cabinet Minister in the UP government and National President of the Nishad Party, reaffirmed his commitment to the rights of the fisherfolk community across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

He stated, “The soil, culture, and sentiments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are one. The fight for the rights of the Nishad and fishing communities will be carried out equally in both states.”

Dr. Nishad highlighted the sacredness of Bihar’s rivers—Ganga, Son, Gandak, and Saryu—not merely as water bodies but as lifelines of shared civilization and culture that unite the two states. “Bihar and Uttar Pradesh share the bond of ‘roti-beti’—bread and kinship,” he said.

The minister stressed that communities known by various names—Nishad, Machhua, Kevat, Mallah, Bind, Tureha, Kahar, Gond—have historically relied on rivers, ponds, and water bodies for their livelihood. Despite their contributions, these communities remain deprived of constitutional recognition and reservation benefits. “We work hard, rear fish, feed the nation, yet remain denied our rights. This injustice cannot continue,” he asserted.

Dr. Nishad emphasized that the struggle for fisherfolk rights being undertaken in Uttar Pradesh will now extend to Bihar. “This fight is not merely for one state or party—it is for the fisherfolk community across India,” he said. He urged leaders, representatives, and organizations of the Nishad community to rise above party politics and unite for reservation rights. “When we move together with a single voice, the government will have no choice but to take decisive action on our demands,” he added.

Highlighting ongoing development initiatives, Dr. Nishad mentioned schemes in Uttar Pradesh benefiting the community, including the Pradhan Mantri Machhua Accident Insurance, Kisan Credit Cards for fisheries, Chief Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana, Nishad Raj Boat Scheme, Mata Suketa Cage Culture, aeration for intensive fish farming, motorized mopeds with ice boxes, Gram Samaj Pond Pattas, NFDB registration, formation of cooperatives, and training programs. He noted, however, that without constitutional reservation, the future of the community’s children remains uncertain.

Concluding his address, Dr. Nishad said, “Across the Ganga, Saryu, Son, and Gandak rivers, we may be separated geographically, but our hearts, souls, and purpose are one. Together, we will secure respect and rights for our community. The day is not far when our voice will resonate in the Parliament and state legislatures—reservation is our right, not charity.”

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