In a landmark initiative under the guidance of National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), a Fisherman Card Enrolment Program was organised in Champu Khangpok, India’s largest and only natural floating village.
Nestled in the iconic Loktak Lake of Manipur, this one-of-a-kind village is home to approximately 400 residents living in 134 houses, who rely on traditional fishing practices deeply intertwined with the lake’s ecosystem.
The program, organized in collaboration with the Loktak Development Authority, the Department of Fisheries, Government of Manipur, the Sinheibi Development Organisation, and the Champu Khangpok Floating Village Conservation and Management Committee, seeks to integrate the village’s fisherfolk into modern financial and institutional frameworks.
As part of the National Fisheries Digital Platform under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kiran Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), the Fisherman Card will link the community to various government initiatives, fostering financial inclusion and economic security.
By providing access to critical financial services, welfare schemes, and other resources, the initiative aims to empower the residents of Champu Khangpok, enhancing their livelihoods and overall well-being. Additionally, it aligns with the broader vision of sustainable development for Loktak Lake, ensuring the preservation of its ecosystem while uplifting its people.