Launched in 2010 under the “Puducherry Development of Shore Based Facilities, Ice Plants, Service Unit, Infrastructural Facilities, and Quick Transport Facilities Rules, 2010,” this scheme by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Government of Puducherry, aims to empower fisherwomen, fisherwomen self-help groups, and Fisherwomen Co-operative Societies. It facilitates the purchase of a mobile seafood van intended for the sale of fresh and processed fish and fishery products in areas lacking regular markets. The van is financed through a combination of a bank loan (covering 25% of the cost) and a departmental subsidy (covering 75%).
Benefits
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Subsidy on Mobile Sea Food Van:
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75% of the cost of the van is subsidized, including the fabrication of the body, procurement of an insulated ice-box, a two-burner stove, cooking utensils, and accessories.
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Bank Loan Requirement:
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The remaining 25% of the cost is expected to be financed through a bank loan.
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Mode of Disbursement:
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The subsidy amount is released directly to the beneficiary’s bank account (via DBT) into a separate account.
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Eligibility
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The applicant must belong to the fishermen community.
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Must be a resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry by birth or domicile.
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Should be a non-overdue member of the Primary Fisheries Co-operative Society.
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Age criteria: Between 18 and 50 years.
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The applicant must not be employed in Government, Government Undertaking, or societies (either part-time or full-time).
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The applicant should be part of a registered Fisherwomen Co-operative Society or a group under SHGs registered with the District Rural Development Agency or Puducherry Urban Development Agency.
Application Process
Offline Process
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Collect the Application Form:
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Visit the Office/Sub-Office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare during office hours and request the prescribed application form.
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Complete the Form:
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Fill in all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required), and attach copies of all required documents (self-attested, if necessary).
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Submission:
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Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned authority.
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Acknowledgement:
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Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the authority, ensuring it contains the date, time, and a unique identification number.
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Documents Required
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Aadhaar Card.
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Proof of Age.
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Residential Certificate of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
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Copy of Food Sharing Card.
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Birth Certificate or Voter ID.
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Caste Certificate.
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Registration Certificate of the Cooperative/SHG.
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Proof of Membership with the Cooperative/SHG.
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Price Quotations for the equipment used for fish preparation.
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Certificates of Training on Fish Product Preparation.
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Proof of Experience in Fish Product Preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is there a provision for extending the age limit beyond 50 under special circumstances?
Age extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis; please consult the local Fisheries Office for specific guidelines. -
Can a fisherwoman self-help group apply directly for the scheme, or must it be under a registered Cooperative/SHG?
Applicants should be part of a registered Fisherwomen Co-operative Society or a group under SHGs as per the prescribed registration by the District Rural Development Agency or Puducherry Urban Development Agency. -
How does the scheme ensure that fish products are sold at competitive prices?
The mobile seafood van is intended to serve areas without regular markets, ensuring that high-quality, hygienic fish products are available to consumers at competitive prices. -
Can individuals outside the age range of 18 to 50 apply for an exemption?
Generally, the scheme strictly adheres to the 18-50 age limit; any exceptions would be handled by the department on special grounds. -
What is the primary role of the Joint Director of Fisheries in the fund disbursement process?
The Joint Director, along with other designated officials, oversees application verification and ensures that the subsidy is disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s bank account as per DBT norms. -
Is there any specific training requirement for applicants to qualify for the scheme?
Applicants are required to have training in fish product preparation, as evidenced by certificates, to ensure that they can effectively operate the mobile seafood van. -
How does the scheme address areas without regular markets for fish products?
By providing a mobile seafood van, the scheme facilitates the sale of fresh and processed fish in underserved areas, thereby bridging market gaps. -
Can the subsidy be used for purposes other than the purchase of the mobile seafood van?
No, the subsidy is strictly earmarked for the purchase and associated fabrication and accessory costs of the mobile seafood van. -
What role does field enquiry play in the application process, and who conducts it?
Field enquiries, conducted by designated officials, help verify the applicant’s eligibility and operational capability before final sanction of the subsidy. -
Can a Fisherwomen Co-operative Society from outside the Union Territory of Puducherry apply for the scheme?
No, the scheme is exclusively available to residents of the Union Territory of Puducherry. -
How is the subsidy amount linked to the bank loan, and what is the department’s role in this process?
The subsidy covers 75% of the van’s cost, while the remaining 25% must be secured through a bank loan. The department coordinates with banks to ensure the subsidy is disbursed directly to a separate beneficiary account. -
How does the Department ensure the quality of applicants during the selection process?
Applicants are required to submit detailed documentation, undergo verification, and meet training and membership criteria, with final selection based on compliance with all guidelines.