What is TMS?
Tawa Matsya Sangh (TMS) is a cooperative society of fishermen in the Tawa reservoir area of Madhya Pradesh. It was formed to address the issues faced by the local fishermen community and to improve their livelihoods through collective action.

Formation of Tawa Matsya Sangh
- Background: The Tawa reservoir was created in the 1970s as a part of the Tawa Dam project. The reservoir provided ample fishing opportunities for the local community living around it.
- Issues Faced: However, the fishermen faced challenges such as lack of access to markets, middlemen exploiting them, and insufficient bargaining power due to their individual operations.
- Formation: In order to address these issues, the local fishermen came together and formed the Tawa Matsya Sangh. The cooperative society was officially registered in the early 1980s.
- Objectives: The primary objectives of TMS were to improve the income of the fishermen, ensure fair prices for their catch, eliminate middlemen, and provide access to better fishing techniques and equipment.
- Activities: TMS facilitated collective fishing operations, storage, and transportation of fish to markets. By pooling their resources and working together, the members of TMS were able to negotiate better prices for their catch and improve their livelihoods.
- Success: The formation of Tawa Matsya Sangh brought about a positive change in the lives of the local fishermen. They were able to increase their income, reduce exploitation by middlemen, and improve their overall socio-economic status.
In conclusion, Tawa Matsya Sangh was formed to empower the local fishermen community through collective action and cooperation, leading to improved livelihoods and better opportunities for the members.