The Grant of Subsidy for Purchase of Mobile Sea Food Van is a welfare scheme launched in 2010 under the “Puducherry Development of Shore Based Facilities, Ice Plants, Service Unit, Infrastructural Facilities, and Quick Transport Facilities Rules, 2010”. It aims to empower fisherwomen, self-help groups (SHGs), and cooperative societies in Puducherry by providing subsidized mobile seafood vans for the sale of fresh and processed fish products in areas without regular markets.
This initiative ensures hygiene, accessibility to seafood at competitive prices, and economic empowerment of fisherwomen. The scheme is funded through a 75% departmental subsidy and a 25% bank loan.
Key Features
- Subsidy Details:
- 75% subsidy covers the cost of:
- Mobile seafood van body fabrication.
- Procurement of insulated ice-box, cooking stove, utensils, and other accessories.
- 25% financed through a bank loan.
- The subsidy is directly credited to a separate account of the beneficiary in the bank.
- 75% subsidy covers the cost of:
- Target Beneficiaries:
- Individual fisherwomen.
- Fisherwomen self-help groups (SHGs).
- Fisherwomen cooperative societies.
- Focus on Hygiene and Accessibility:
- Ensures seafood is transported and sold under hygienic conditions.
- Addresses demand in areas without regular seafood markets.
Eligibility Criteria
- Community:
- Applicant must belong to the fishermen community.
- Residence:
- Must be a permanent resident of Puducherry (by birth or domicile).
- Age:
- Between 18 and 50 years.
- Employment:
- Should not hold any government or government-aided employment (full-time or part-time).
- Membership Requirements:
- Applicant must be a non-overdue member of a Primary Fisheries Cooperative Society.
- Registered members of SHGs under the District Rural Development Agency or Puducherry Urban Development Agency are eligible.
Application Process
Offline Steps:
- Visit the Fisheries Department Office/Sub-Office:
- Collect the prescribed application form from the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare.
- Fill the Application Form:
- Complete the form with mandatory details.
- Attach a passport-sized photograph and required documents (self-attested).
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled form and documents to the concerned authority.
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment with submission details.
- Field Verification:
- A field enquiry will be conducted to validate the applicant’s eligibility.
- Disbursement:
- After approval, the subsidy amount is credited to the beneficiary’s account linked with the bank loan.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Birth Certificate.
- Age Proof: Birth certificate or equivalent.
- Residence Proof: Domicile/Residential Certificate of Puducherry.
- Community Proof: Caste Certificate.
- Membership Proof: Registration certificate of cooperative/SHG and proof of active membership.
- Experience Proof: Certificates of training or experience in fish product preparation.
- Financial Details: Price quotations of equipment and bank details.
- Photograph: Passport-sized photo of the applicant.
Benefits
- Financial Support:
- Reduces the cost of purchasing a mobile seafood van, enabling fisherwomen to expand their business.
- Market Accessibility:
- Facilitates the sale of fish products in underserved areas.
- Hygienic Seafood Supply:
- Promotes the delivery of fresh and processed fish products under hygienic conditions.
- Economic Empowerment:
- Boosts the income of fisherwomen and SHGs by providing self-employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is there a provision for extending the age limit beyond 50?
No, the age limit of 18–50 years is strictly followed. - Can SHGs directly apply for the scheme?
Yes, but they must be registered with a Primary Fisheries Cooperative Society or District Rural Development Agency. - How is the subsidy linked to the bank loan?
- The beneficiary arranges 25% of the cost through a bank loan.
- The 75% subsidy is credited to a separate account linked to the loan.
- Are there specific training requirements for applicants?
- While not mandatory, training or experience in fish product preparation enhances eligibility.
- Can the subsidy be used for purposes other than purchasing the seafood van?
No, the subsidy is exclusively for procuring the seafood van and associated equipment. - How does the field enquiry process work?
- The Department conducts a field enquiry to verify applicant details, membership, and eligibility criteria.
- Can cooperative societies from outside Puducherry apply for the scheme?
No, only registered cooperatives and SHGs from Puducherry are eligible.
Sources and References
- Puducherry Fisheries Department Guidelines
- Application Form and Documents
- Contact: Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Puducherry
The Grant of Subsidy for Purchase of Mobile Sea Food Van is a significant step towards enhancing the livelihood of fisherwomen and ensuring the availability of fresh and hygienic seafood in underserved areas of Puducherry.