The “Fishing Ban Period Assistance” scheme is a sub-component of the broader “Welfare and Relief for Fishermen During Lean Seasons and Natural Calamities Scheme” implemented across the Union Territory of Puducherry. This initiative is designed to support fishermen families during periods when fishing is banned—either due to natural calamities or to protect fishery resources during breeding seasons. By providing essential food supplies and a cash dole, the scheme aims to mitigate the economic hardships faced by fishermen and promote sustainable fishery practices.
Benefits
- Food Assistance:
- Provision of 100 kg of rice per eligible fishermen’s family during the fishing ban period.
- Cash Assistance:
- A cash dole of ₹750/- per eligible fishermen’s family, per fishing ban period.
- Additional Considerations:
- Beneficiary selection may also be based on periodic decisions taken by the Governing Body of the Pondicherry Fishermen Welfare and Distress Relief Society.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Residency:
- Must be an ordinarily resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
- Occupation:
- Must be a fisherman.
- Economic Status:
- Must belong to a family designated as Below Poverty Line (BPL).
- Additional Criteria:
- Beneficiaries are determined based on periodic decisions by the Pondicherry Fishermen Welfare and Distress Relief Society.
- Exclusions:
- Applicants should not be ordinarily residing in any foreign nation during the natural calamity, lean season, or fishing ban period.
- Any member of the family listed on the ration card should not be in regular service in Government/Quasi-Government/Autonomous bodies, Boards, Corporations, or Councils, or be a retired Government Pensioner.
- The benefit will not be denied solely because a family member receives an Old Age Pension (OAP), nor will it be affected by the type of fishing boat owned (mechanized, motorized, or traditional).
Application Process
Offline Process
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Obtain the Application Form:
- Visit the office of the concerned authority, which may be one of the following based on your region:
- Pondicherry State Fishermen Co-operative Federation Limited, Puducherry
- Karaikal Fishermen Co-operative Marketing Union, Karaikal
- The Assistant Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Mahe
- The Assistant Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Yanam
- Request a hard copy of the prescribed application form.
- Visit the office of the concerned authority, which may be one of the following based on your region:
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Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields.
- Paste a recent passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required).
- Attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
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Submit the Form:
- Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the respective authority.
-
Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment confirming the submission. Ensure that the receipt contains the date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Account Details:
(Copy of the first page of the bank passbook) - Red Ration Card:
Issued by the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Puducherry. - Identity Card:
Issued by the Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare. - Membership Certificate:
As proof of membership in the Fishermen Co-operative Society of the concerned village. - Any Other Documents:
As required by the Border Area Development Officer or the concerned authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What regions does the scheme cover for the distribution of assistance?
The scheme is implemented across all regions of the Union Territory of Puducherry. -
Does possession of a red ration card impact eligibility for the scheme?
Yes, possession of a valid red ration card is required as it serves as proof of economic status. -
Can applicants residing in a foreign nation during calamities apply for assistance?
No, applicants must be ordinarily residing in Puducherry during the relevant period. -
What role does the Field Officer play in the distribution process?
Field Officers assist in verifying eligibility, collecting documents, and ensuring that the assistance reaches the beneficiaries. -
How is assistance distributed to beneficiaries in different regions?
Assistance is distributed by the designated authorities in each region as per the guidelines of the scheme. -
Are there any additional criteria considered periodically for selecting beneficiaries?
Yes, the Governing Body of the Pondicherry Fishermen Welfare and Distress Relief Society may periodically review and decide on beneficiary selection. -
Can applicants request a unique identification number during the submission process?
Yes, the acknowledgment receipt provided upon submission will contain a unique identification number. -
How does the scheme handle membership verification for applicants?
Membership is verified through a certificate issued by the local Fishermen Co-operative Society. -
What are the mandatory documents needed for the application?
Required documents include an Aadhaar card, bank account details, a red ration card, an identity card from the Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, and a membership certificate from the Fishermen Co-operative Society. -
What is the application process for those interested in availing the scheme?
The application process is entirely offline, involving the collection, completion, and submission of the prescribed application form at the relevant authority’s office. -
How does the scheme treat beneficiaries who are recipients of Old Age Pension (OAP)?
The benefit under this scheme will not be denied solely on the basis that a family member receives an Old Age Pension (OAP). -
Who is eligible to receive assistance under the scheme?
Eligible applicants must be fishermen from BPL families residing in Puducherry, with membership verified by the appropriate local authorities.