This scheme is a sub-component under the umbrella “Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries” by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Government of Puducherry. It aims to increase marine fish production by providing financial grants for converting or modernizing mechanized fishing boats for deep-sea fishing. The upgraded vessels are expected to enhance operational efficiency and extend fishing ventures into deeper waters, thereby boosting catch per voyage and the overall income of traditional fishermen.
Benefits
• Subsidy Assistance:
– 50% subsidy on the unit cost of the boat engine conversion/modernisation
– Maximum subsidy capped at ₹2,50,000/- per boat (linked to bank finance)
– The subsidy rate and maximum limit may be revised by the Government periodically.
Eligibility
• Applicant must belong to the fishermen community or be a full-time professional engaged in fishing/fish trade, or a prospective entrepreneur in marine fisheries.
• Applicant must have resided in the Union Territory of Puducherry continuously for at least 5 years.
• Must be enrolled as a member of the Fishermen Co-operative Society.
• Applicant must be above 23 years and below 60 years.
• Applicant must not be a recipient of Old Age Pension issued by the department.
• Applicant should not be employed in Government/Government Undertakings/Fishermen Co-operative Society.
• There should be no outstanding dues to the Department or Fishermen Co-operative Societies at the time of application.
• The mechanized boat must be registered.
• The boat’s hull must be extended above 47 feet in overall length and equipped with a new hydraulic winch, steel ropes, global positioning system, echo sounder, inbuilt insulated ice-box, and life-saving appliances.
• The applicant must have obtained a provisional loan sanction order from a bank.
Application Process
Offline
• Step 1: Visit the relevant Office/Sub-Office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare in Puducherry and request the hard copy of the prescribed application form from the concerned authority.
• Step 2: Fill in all mandatory fields on the application form, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed if required), and attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
• Step 3: Submit the completed and signed application form along with the documents to the designated receiving authority.
• Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the authority with the submission date, time, and a unique identification number.
Documents Required
• Passport-Sized Photograph
• Aadhaar Card
• Election Photo Identity Card (for proof of identity)
• Ration Card (for proof of address)
• Birth Certificate (for proof of age)
• Membership Certificate from the Fishermen/Fisherwoman Co-operative Society (if applicable)
• Document certifying full-time engagement in fishing or fish trade (for fish traders)
• Residence Certificate indicating a continuous residence of not less than five years in Puducherry (from 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 non-employment in Government/Government Undertakings/Fishermen Co-operative Society
• Proof of possession of a registered mechanized boat
• Specifications of the Hull (evidence that it exceeds 47 feet in overall length)
• Provisional Loan Sanction Order from the bank
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the current subsidy percentage and maximum limit provided?
A: The scheme offers a 50% subsidy of the unit cost, subject to a maximum of ₹2,50,000/- per boat.
Q: What are the specific requirements for the hull of the mechanized boat?
A: The boat’s hull must be extended above 47 feet in overall length and be equipped with a new hydraulic winch, steel ropes, GPS, echo sounder, inbuilt insulated ice-box, and life-saving appliances.
Q: What documents prove ownership of a registered mechanized boat?
A: Applicants must provide proof of boat registration, along with supporting documents such as the ownership certificate and fishing license.
Q: Is a hull length above 47 feet mandatory for eligibility?
A: Yes, the hull must be extended above 47 feet to qualify for the subsidy.
Q: How often does the Government revise the subsidy rate or maximum limit?
A: The rate and maximum limit may be revised periodically by the Government.
Q: What is the significance of obtaining a provisional loan sanction order from the bank?
A: A provisional loan sanction order is mandatory to ensure that the applicant has secured bank finance for the conversion/modernisation work, which is a key eligibility criterion for subsidy disbursement.
Q: Are there specific safety features required on the mechanized boat?
A: Yes, the boat must include safety features such as a hydraulic winch, steel ropes, GPS, echo sounder, an inbuilt insulated ice-box, and life-saving appliances.
Q: Can the subsidy be availed without having a registered mechanized boat?
A: No, the boat must be registered to qualify for the subsidy.
Q: Who qualifies as a “Registered Boat” under these rules?
A: A registered boat is one that is officially documented and certified by the relevant authorities in Puducherry.
Q: Are there any employment restrictions for eligible applicants?
A: Yes, applicants must not be employed in Government/Government Undertakings/Fishermen Co-operative Society.
Q: How is the genuineness of applications verified?
A: Applications are verified through document scrutiny and a field inspection conducted by an Extension Officer, with the final decision made by the Joint Director (Extension) or Deputy Director (Extension).
Q: What is the role of the Departmental Selection Committee?
A: The committee evaluates applications and verifies compliance with eligibility criteria before sanctioning subsidies.
Q: What actions trigger the release of the eligible subsidy?
A: Upon successful document verification and field inspection, the sanctioned subsidy is released via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) directly into the beneficiary’s bank account.