Fisheries Development — Policy Reforms

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act	1992	This amendment granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), empowering local self-governments in rural areas. It mandated the devolution of powers and responsibilities to PRIs for various subjects, including 'fisheries' (as listed in the Eleventh Schedule, item 13).	The 73rd Amendment indirectly impacts inland fisheries development by empowering Gram Panchayats to manage local water bodies, tanks, and ponds. This enables local communities to participate in the planning and implementation of fisheries development programs, promoting sustainable management of common property resources and ensuring benefits accrue to local fishers. It fosters decentralized governance in the management of small-scale inland fisheries.
74th Constitutional Amendment Act	1992	This amendment granted constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), empowering them with functions related to urban planning and development, including the management of urban water bodies.	Similar to the 73rd Amendment, the 74th Amendment can indirectly influence fisheries development in urban and peri-urban areas. Urban local bodies may be responsible for the management and conservation of lakes, ponds, and other water bodies within their jurisdiction, which can be utilized for urban aquaculture or recreational fishing, contributing to local food supply and livelihoods, albeit on a smaller scale compared to rural areas.