Kolkata, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : Central Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, held a review meeting on Monday to discuss the development of fisheries and aquaculture in West Bengal. This meeting marked the first of its kind in over a decade.
Singh addressed various topics, including fish production, aquaculture, exports, cold chain logistics, and the registration of fishermen for social security. In response to opposition criticisms regarding a recent incident in Jamui, Bihar, he asserted that one isolated event should not cast doubt on the overall law and order situation in the state.
During the review, officials from both the central and state governments, along with representatives from various fisheries and aquaculture institutions, participated in discussions aimed at enhancing fish production and productivity in West Bengal. The meeting focused on leveraging the region’s brackish water resources, particularly in coastal areas like Sundarbans, East Medinipur, and the 24 Parganas, to boost shrimp and other high-value species production for export.
Singh emphasized the importance of deep-sea fishing, processing, value addition, cold chain management, packaging, and branding within exclusive economic zones. He claimed that the new government has accelerated work in the fisheries sector, revitalizing projects that had been stalled for the past four years under the Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana. Over the last four months, more than 200,000 fishermen have registered, with the government prioritizing their social security and digital registration to ensure they receive the benefits directly.
He criticized the state government’s previous approach, stating that during his last visit for a review meeting, the lowest-ranking official was sent to represent the state. Singh questioned how effective development plans could be implemented when the state exhibits such a lack of seriousness in central review meetings.
Addressing the opposition’s concerns regarding law and order following the Jamui incident, Singh maintained that the situation in Bihar is stable and that the police acted promptly after the incident. He urged critics to consider the law and order conditions in Bihar prior to 2005, highlighting that women now feel safe enough to be out late at night, a stark contrast to the past. Singh also directed criticism at Rahul Gandhi, suggesting he should inquire about the state’s previous governance before making judgments.
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