Himachal launches Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana for reservoir fishermen
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on 26 July 2026 launched the Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana, giving ₹3,500 a year to eligible reservoir fishermen during the annual fishing ban.
Summary
The scheme supports fishermen who lose income during the closed fishing season meant for fish breeding. It covers active fishermen in reservoir fisheries who are members of registered Fisheries Cooperative Societies and hold valid fishing licences, with payment by Direct Benefit Transfer. About 3,700 fishing families linked to the Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Kol Dam, Chamera and Ranjit Sagar reservoirs are expected to benefit every year, at an annual cost of about ₹1.20 crore to the State.
Key facts
- Scheme
- Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana
- Launched
- 26 July 2026 by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
- Benefit
- ₹3,500 per year during fishing ban, via DBT
- Beneficiaries
- About 3,700 reservoir-fishing families
- Reservoirs
- Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Kol Dam, Chamera, Ranjit Sagar
- Annual cost
- About ₹1.20 crore
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under Himachal Pradesh's Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana launched in July 2026, how much will eligible reservoir fishermen get each year during the fishing ban?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹3,500
Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹3,500 annually during the fishing ban period, through DBT.
Which of the following reservoirs is NOT listed among those whose fishing families are covered by Himachal's Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana (2026)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bhakra's Nangal Lake
The listed reservoirs are Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Kol Dam, Chamera and Ranjit Sagar.