The “Annual Insurance Premium for Boat Owners” is a sub-component of the umbrella scheme “Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries” launched by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Government of Puducherry. This scheme aims to boost marine fish production by extending subsidies for the annual insurance premiums paid by registered mechanized boat operators. It provides critical financial assistance to ensure that boat owners have adequate insurance coverage, thereby promoting sustainable and secure marine fisheries development.
Benefits
- Subsidy Amount:
The scheme offers a 50% subsidy on the annual insurance premium, subject to a maximum of ₹20,000 per boat.
(Note: The subsidy rate and maximum limit may be revised by the Government from time to time.)
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Community & Occupation:
- The applicant should belong to the fishermen community or be engaged in fishing/fish trade on a full-time basis, or be a prospective entrepreneur in this sector.
- Residency:
- The applicant must have resided continuously in the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least five years at the time of application.
- Membership:
- The applicant must be enrolled as a member of a Fishermen Co-operative Society.
- Age:
- The applicant must be above 23 years and below 60 years.
- Exclusions:
- Applicants receiving Old Age Pension from the department are not eligible.
- Applicants employed in Government/Government Undertakings or in a Fishermen Co-operative Society are not eligible.
- Applicants must have no outstanding dues to the Department or Fishermen Co-operative Societies at the time of application.
- Boat Registration & Insurance:
- The applicant must possess a registered mechanized boat.
- The boat must be insured on an annual basis with an authorized insurance company.
Application Process
Offline
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Collect Application Form:
- Visit the Office or Sub-Office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare.
- Request a hard copy of the prescribed application form from the concerned authority.
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Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed, if required), and attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
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Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned authority.
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Obtain Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing essential details such as the submission date, time, and a unique identification number.
Documents Required
- Passport-sized Photograph.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Election Photo Identity Card (as Proof of Identity).
- Ration Card (as Proof of Address).
- Birth Certificate (as Proof of Age).
- Membership Certificate from the President/Administrator of the Fishermen/Fisherwoman Co-operative Society.
- Document attesting full-time engagement in fishing or fish trade (for Fish Traders).
- Residence Certificate (indicating a continuous residence of at least five years in Puducherry, issued by the Deputy Tahsildar).
- Enrollment Certificate as a member of the Fishermen Co-operative Society.
- Declaration of not being a recipient of Old Age Pension.
- Declaration of not being employed in Government/Government Undertakings/Fishermen Co-operative Society.
- Declaration certifying no outstanding dues to the Department/Fishermen Co-operative Societies.
- Proof of possession of the registered mechanized boat.
- Proof of annual insurance of the boat with an authorized insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can a person engaged in fish trade qualify for subsidies?
Yes, applicants engaged in fishing or fish trade on a full-time basis are eligible. -
Can applicants with outstanding dues qualify for the subsidy?
No, applicants must have no dues to the Department or Fishermen Co-operative Societies at the time of application. -
What role do Insurance Companies play in this scheme?
The applicant must ensure the boat is insured on an annual basis with an authorized insurance company; the subsidy is provided to cover part of the insurance premium. -
What is the timeline for shortlisting eligible beneficiaries after field inquiry work commences?
Specific timelines are determined by the Department’s selection committee; applicants are advised to refer to the guidelines provided at the time of application. -
Can applicants be above the age of 60 and still qualify?
No, eligible applicants must be below 60 years of age. -
Who comprises the Departmental Selection Committee for the Puducherry region?
The committee typically consists of officials from the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare and representatives from the relevant Fishermen Co-operative Societies. -
What is the role of the Departmental Selection Committee in the selection process?
They review and shortlist applications based on eligibility criteria and project viability. -
What is the maximum annual subsidy provided for boat insurance?
The subsidy is 50% of the insurance premium, subject to a maximum of ₹20,000 per boat. -
How does the Government determine the rate of subsidy for boat insurance?
The rate is determined based on policy guidelines and may be revised from time to time. -
Is the maximum limit of ₹20,000 subject to change?
Yes, the Government reserves the right to revise the subsidy rate or maximum limit. -
What factors contribute to the decision to revise the subsidy rate?
Factors include changes in insurance premium rates, policy updates, and overall fiscal considerations by the Government. -
Can an applicant qualify for the subsidy if their boat is not registered as mechanized?
No, only applicants with a registered mechanized boat are eligible.