Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana: 15,000 Assistance During Fishing Ban Period

The Livelihood Support to Marine Fishermen During Fishing Ban Period Scheme is implemented by the Department of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Government of Odisha under the Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana. This initiative is designed to support the livelihoods of marine fisher families, particularly those impacted by the prolonged fishing ban. The scheme is especially critical in areas around turtle nesting and breeding grounds such as the Bhitarkanika National Park, Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, and adjoining zones along the Devi and Rushikulya River Mouths, where fishing is prohibited for extended periods.

Benefits

• Financial Assistance:

  • One member per affected family is eligible for an annual assistance of ₹15,000.

  • The assistance is provided in a single installment between November and March.

  • The subsidy is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Eligibility

• Fisherman Status:

  • The beneficiary must be an active marine fisherman.

  • Eligibility extends to boat owners (with valid registration and fishing license), crew members of registered motorized boats, and those involved in fish trading, sorting, grading, or other ancillary activities.

• Age Criteria:

  • Applicants must be between 18 and 70 years of age.

• Residency:

  • The beneficiary must be a permanent resident of Odisha and possess appropriate identity and residential proofs (e.g., Aadhaar card).

• Financial Inclusion:

  • Preference is given to those covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and belonging to BPL households, with exclusions as per the socio-economic and caste census (SECC)-2011.

• Other Requirements:

  • If applying as a boat owner, the applicant must hold a valid registration (Real Craft) and a current fishing license.

  • Crew members or those engaged in ancillary activities must provide a certificate from the registered boat owner.

Selection Priority:
Beneficiaries are chosen in the following order:

1. Boat Owner

2. Crew Member of a fishing boat

3. Workers involved in sorting, grading, and other ancillary activities

Application Process

Offline Application

1. Advertisement:
   The scheme is advertised via the Departmental website, newspapers, and wall posters at District and Block Fisheries Offices.

2. Submission:

   • Interested and eligible beneficiaries must fill out the prescribed application form.

   • The completed form, along with self-attested photocopies of required documents, is submitted to the Additional Fisheries Officer (Marine) through the respective Assistant Fisheries Officers (AFOs) (ME Unit).

3. Verification:

   • The Assistant Fisheries Officer (Marine Extension Unit) verifies the application and forwards it to the Additional Fisheries Officer (Marine).

   • A District Level Committee, chaired by the Sub-Collector (concerned Sub-Division) and including representatives from Fisheries, Forest, Environment, PRI, and marine PFCS, reviews and finalizes the beneficiary list.

4. Disbursement:

   • The final beneficiary list is forwarded to the Directorate for website publication.

   • The Additional Fisheries Officer (Marine) then releases the assistance through DBT.

Documents Required

• Photocopy of Aadhaar Card.

• Photocopy of Voter ID Card.

• Photocopy of Ration Card.

• Photocopy of the Registration Certificate of the Boat.

• Photocopy of the Fishing License Certificate.

• Certificate from the Boat Owner (for crew members/ancillary workers).

• Photocopy of the first page of the Bank Passbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the aim of the scheme?
   The scheme aims to support the livelihood of marine fisher families affected by the fishing ban, ensuring financial stability during the prohibition period.

2. By which department was this scheme launched?
   The scheme is launched by the Department of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Government of Odisha.

3. When is fishing prohibited under the scheme?
   Fishing is prohibited for a long period of seven months annually (1st November to 31st May) along with a uniform ban from 15th April to 14th June (61 days).

4. In which districts is this scheme implemented?
   The scheme is implemented in the marine districts of Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Ganjam along Odisha’s coastline, particularly around key conservation areas.

5. How much financial assistance is provided to each beneficiary?
   Each eligible family receives an annual assistance of ₹15,000 for one member.

6. When will the financial assistance be paid?
   The amount is paid in a single installment between November and March.

7. Is this scheme only for Odisha residents?
   Yes, only permanent residents of Odisha with valid identity and residence proofs are eligible.

8. What is the age criterion for applicants?
   Applicants must be between 18 and 70 years of age.

9. How many family members can receive assistance?
   Only one member per affected family is eligible for the assistance.

10. What is the order of preference for beneficiary selection?
    Priority is given to Boat Owners, followed by Crew Members, and then workers involved in ancillary activities.

11. How can I apply for the scheme?
    Interested beneficiaries must apply in the prescribed format at their local Fisheries Office and submit the form to the designated Receiving and Verifying Officer (AFO Marine Extension Unit).

Sources and References

• Guideline