Following the Union Cabinet’s decision on a separate department for fisheries the power corridors are abuzz that who will be the first secretary of the department. Union Cabinet yesterday approved one post of secretary and one post of joint secretary in the newly established department of fisheries.

"The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved one post of secretary in the level 17 (Rs 2,25,000 fixed) and one post of Joint Secretary in the level 14 of the pay matrix (Rs 1,44,200-2,18,200) in the Department of Fisheries on a permanent basis..." an official statement said.

These posts have been approved to ensure smooth functioning and fulfill the mandate of the newly created department.

"Newly created posts would enable the Department of Fisheries to undertake/monitor number of projects/schemes for the development of the sector, the welfare and protection of the interest of a large number of fishermen," it added.

In this year's Budget, the government proposed to create a separate department of fisheries to provide sustained and focused attention on the development of this sector.