Government Committed to Welfare of Fishermen; Socio-Economic Security is Top Priority: Minister Nitesh Rane
Mumbai, May 27, 2026: The Maharashtra state government is fully committed to elevating the livelihoods of the fishing community, ensuring their socio-economic security remains a top priority. This statement was made by Maharashtra’s Minister for Fisheries and Ports, Nitesh Rane, while reviewing the operational progress of the Maharashtra Fishermen and Other Labor Workers Welfare Board.
The Minister chaired a high-level review meeting at the Mantralaya to assess the actions taken since the establishment of the welfare board.
Directives for Inter-Departmental Registration Drive
During the meeting, Minister Nitesh Rane emphasized that improving the standard of living for registered fishermen is a core focus of the state administration. To ensure the benefits of various government schemes reach the grassroots level, he directed officials to work with absolute transparency and accountability.
Key directives issued by the Minister include:
- Joint Planning: The Fisheries Department and the Labor Department must work together to launch a massive registration drive to bring the maximum number of traditional fishermen under the board’s umbrella.
- Clearing Backlogs: Immediate instructions were given to expedite and resolve all pending audits and legal/court cases related to the sector.
- Joint Ministerial Meeting: Minister Rane announced that a joint meeting will soon be held with the state Labor Minister to make progressive and concrete decisions regarding welfare funds and worker safety.
High-Level Officials in Attendance
The review meeting saw the participation of senior bureaucrats and key stakeholders driving the state’s marine and fisheries policies, including:
- Ramaswami N. (Secretary, Fisheries Department)
- Prerna Deshbhratar (Commissioner of Fisheries)
- Prakash Khaple (Managing Director, Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation)
- Along with several senior officials from the state Labor Department.
- Focus Keyword: Maharashtra Fishermen Welfare, Nitesh Rane Fisheries Minister, Maharashtra Fisheries Department, Fishermen Registration Drive.
- Meta Description: Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane orders a joint drive by the Fisheries and Labor departments to register and secure the socio-economic welfare of fishermen.