The Government of Goa, through the Department of Fisheries, has launched the Natural Calamity Relief to Fishermen of State scheme. This scheme provides financial assistance to active fishermen who contribute to the Fishermen Corpus Relief Fund and have lost or damaged their fishing vessels due to natural calamities.
This scheme helps fishermen recover losses caused by floods, cyclones, tsunamis, and accidental fires. Applications are accepted only in offline mode.
Benefits
Death or Disability
- Loss of Life/Total Disability while fishing in the sea/river: ₹5,00,000 (On production of required documents).
Loss or Damage to Fishing Canoe
- Partial Damage: Actual value (as assessed by an authorized marine surveyor) up to ₹1,00,000.
- Total Loss/Damage (with OBM): Actual value (as assessed by an authorized marine surveyor) up to ₹2,00,000.
Loss or Damage to Fishing Vessel
- 1 to 4-cylinder Fishing Vessel: Actual value (as assessed by an authorized marine surveyor) up to ₹7,00,000.
- 6 to 8-cylinder Fishing Vessel: Actual value (as assessed by an authorized marine surveyor) up to ₹10,00,000.
Loss or Damage to Fishing Nets
| Type of Net | Maximum Financial Assistance (Based on the assessment by an authorized Fisheries Surveyor or Marine Surveyor or Talathi) |
|---|---|
| Gill Nets | ₹50,000 |
| Rampon Nets | ₹1,00,000 |
| Trawl Net | ₹50,000 |
| Purseine Net | ₹5,00,000 |
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant should be a registered fisherman.
- The applicant should have contributed to the Fishermen Corpus Relief Fund.
- The fishing vessel (canoe, mechanized trawler, OBM, engine, nets, and other fishing equipment) must be registered with the Department of Fisheries.
- The damage or loss should be due to natural calamities like floods, cyclones, tsunamis, and accidental fires.
- The applicant should not be a defaulter of the Department of Fisheries.
- The loss/damage must be verified by the competent authority.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps
- Download the Application Form or collect a printed format from the Department of Fisheries.
- Fill in the details, attach a passport-sized photograph, and self-attest mandatory documents.
- Submit the completed form along with the required documents at:
- Department of Fisheries, Goa (Address: Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa – 403 521).
- BDO Office/Sub-Offices of the Department of Fisheries.
- Deadline: The claim should be submitted within one week of the incident.
Grievance Redressal
If the applicant faces dissatisfaction or service-related issues, they can:
- Contact the Grievance Redressal Officer at the Department of Fisheries.
- File complaints via email: [email protected].
- All complaints will be acknowledged, and a final resolution will be communicated within 30 days.
Documents Required
General Documents
- Photograph of the applicant.
- Copy of Vessel Registration Certificate.
- Updated Fishing License Certificate.
- Updated Fishing Net License.
- Copy of Updated Fishing Netbook.
- Copy of Biometric Card/Temporary ID Card.
- Inspection Report of registered fishing vessel/OBM/net (Original).
- Copy of the Bank Passbook (Along with Mandate Form).
- Statement of Contribution to the Fishermen Corpus Fund.
For Death Claims
- Post-Mortem Report / Missing Report / Death Certificate.
- Panchanama Report.
- FIR Report.
For Injury Claims
- Copy of Medical Certificate.
For Loss/Damage Claims
- Loss Assessment Report from an Authorized Marine Surveyor.
- Weather Report from the Meteorological Department on the day of the incident.
Note:
The Missing Report/Death Certificate/Post-mortem Report should state that the victim’s body has not been traced for one year from the date of the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can an applicant submit a claim beyond one week of the incident?
No, the claim must be submitted within one week unless there are exceptional circumstances approved by the department.
Q: What is the maximum financial assistance for total loss/damage to a 6 to 8-cylinder fishing vessel?
Up to ₹10,00,000, based on the marine surveyor’s assessment.
Q: Where can I register a complaint regarding service issues?
Complaints can be registered with the Department of Fisheries, Goa at [email protected].
Q: What fishing nets are covered, and what is the financial assistance limit?
- Gill Nets: ₹50,000
- Rampon Nets: ₹1,00,000
- Trawl Net: ₹50,000
- Purseine Net: ₹5,00,000
Q: Is financial assistance available for accidental fires?
Yes, financial assistance is provided for accidental fires affecting fishing vessels or equipment.
Q: What calamities are covered under the scheme?
- Floods
- Cyclones
- Tsunamis
- Accidental fires
Q: What actions can disqualify an applicant from receiving financial assistance?
- If the applicant has defaulted on department payments.
- If the vessel was not registered or had an expired license at the time of the incident.
- If the claim is fraudulent or lacks proper documentation.
Q: What reports are required in case of a death claim?
- Post-Mortem Report
- Missing Report/Death Certificate
- FIR Report
- Panchanama Report