KARACHI, Dec 12: Self-reliance schemes will be introduced for fishermen enabling them to boost their income and living standard.

This was stated by chairman Fishermen Cooperative Society (FCS) Commodore Syed Tayyab Naqvi, while speaking at a cash distribution ceremony held in Ibrahim Haideri on Wednesday morning.

He said the fisheries sector could not be developed without making fishermen educated and economically self-sufficient. For that purpose, he added, the FCS was working on a two-pronged strategy.

He said a training programme had already been launched to acquaint them of the latest technology being adopted in world fisheries.

At the same time, he said, a number of self-reliance schemes would soon be executed which would increase the income of fishermen and reduce their economic dependency.

FCS vice-chairman Haji Shafi Jamote lauded the services of the Society’s chairman for the development of the fisheries sector and fishermen community.

He said the income of the Society had increased four times under the new management and, as a result of effective measures, the leakages had been curbed and a financial discipline had been maintained.

He said a look was given to the Karachi Fish Harbour by the corrective measures taken by the administration and now it was recognised as one of best harbours in the world.

On this occasion, about 100 needy fishermen, orphans and widows were paid Rs 1,000 each as the Eid relief amount.

Rs700,000 were distributed as cash relief among the needy fishermen, orphans and their widows in other villages of fishermen in Karachi and the adjoining areas.

FCS directors belonging to Mubarak village, Ibrahim Hydri, Rehri, Kalri, Khadda, Soomar Goth, Baba Bhit, Shamspir and Younusabad were asked to submit the list of deserving persons in their areas for the payment of the Eid relief amount.