UK and West Bengal implement new parental accountability and fisheries support policies

The UK government is considering plans to hold parents or guardians accountable for crimes committed by their children in England and Wales. According to Youth Justice Minister Jake Richards, the proposed measures aim to increase parental involvement in controlling criminal behavior. Potential penalties include fines, reduction of government assistance, and, in extreme cases, imprisonment.

The government intends to strengthen ‘parenting orders,’ which allow courts to mandate counseling, training, or residential courses for guardians. Failure to comply with these orders could result in fines of up to £1,000. The plan also seeks to expand the use of these orders to include 16 and 17-year-olds.

In India, the West Bengal government has moved to bring all fishermen in the state under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). Following discussions between state officials and the Union Minister for Fisheries, the initiative aims to provide benefits such as bank loans, aquaculture insurance, and financial aid for infrastructure development.

The project includes a budget of 6,000 crore rupees for the current fiscal year. To access these benefits, fishermen and fish farmers must complete digital registration with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDP). The state has also increased its fish production target from 700,000 to 800,000 metric tons.