Launched by the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Odisha, this scheme aims to reactivate Primary Fishermen Cooperative Societies (PFCS) by providing a one-time revolving fund of ₹2,00,000 per eligible PFCS. The objective is to boost the working capital of PFCS and improve the long-term socio-economic status of its members. The scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Fisheries through the respective District Fisheries Officer.
Benefits
• A one-time revolving fund of ₹2,00,000 is provided to each eligible PFCS.
Eligibility
• Applicant must be an active Primary Fishermen Cooperative Society (PFCS).
• The PFCS must have completed at least 1 year from its registration under the Odisha Cooperative Societies Act-1962.
• The PFCS should be in working condition and must not have availed the revolving fund before.
• The PFCS must conduct Committee of Management and AGB meetings as per the OCS Act and society bylaws.
• The PFCS should have paid the Government lease value of the reservoir/pond (if taken on lease).
• The PFCS must be able to produce the last one-year audited balance sheets with Profit Loss accounts from AGCS-empanelled CA firms/auditors.
Application Process
Offline
• Step 1: The interested PFCS should print the prescribed application form.
• Step 2: Fill in all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph of the PFCS Secretary (if required), and attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
• Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application along with the documents to the District Fisheries Officer of the concerned district.
• Step 4: Request an acknowledgement receipt containing the date, time, and a unique identification number for future reference.
Documents Required
• Passport-size photograph of the PFCS Secretary.
• Society Registration Certificate.
• Resolution Copy of the General Body Meeting of the PFCS.
• Last one-year Audited Balance Sheet and Profit Loss Account.
• Receipt of payment of lease value (for reservoir-based, riverine, or marine PFCS).
• Joint Passbook Bank Account Number with IFSC (for both President and Secretary).
• Joint Savings Account details with DFO and its IFSC code.
• Aadhaar copies of the President and Secretary of the PFCS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is responsible for the implementation of the scheme and through which agency?
A: The scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Fisheries through the District Fisheries Officer.
Q: How are PFCS selected under the scheme?
A: Selection is based on the PFCS meeting the eligibility criteria and is done on a first come, first served basis.
Q: What is the operational procedure for the revolving fund once sanctioned?
A: The fund is intended as working capital to support the PFCS, enhancing its operational efficiency and socio-economic impact.
Q: What activities can PFCS undertake using the revolving fund?
A: The fund may be used for working capital needs and activities that contribute to the overall socio-economic improvement of PFCS members as per the scheme guidelines.
Q: How are credit support and loans provided to PFCS members?
A: Details on additional credit support or loans, if any, are specified in the scheme guidelines and may be administered by the implementing agency.
Q: Who is responsible for monitoring and supervision of the scheme’s implementation?
A: The District Fisheries Officer along with the Directorate of Fisheries is responsible for monitoring and supervision.
Q: How does a PFCS demonstrate compliance with the eligibility criterion of the Odisha Cooperative Societies Act-1962?
A: The PFCS must produce its registration certificate and last one-year audited financial statements to verify its compliance.
Q: Why is the submission of the last one-year audited balance sheet and Profit Loss Account crucial?
A: It ensures the PFCS is financially sound and helps assess its working condition before sanctioning the revolving fund.
Q: What role does the payment of the Government lease value play in determining PFCS eligibility?
A: It confirms that the PFCS is meeting statutory obligations related to leased reservoirs/ponds, ensuring proper governance and accountability.
Q: Why is the completion of Committee of Management and AGB meetings considered vital?
A: Regular meetings demonstrate that the PFCS is functioning effectively and adhering to the rules under the Odisha Cooperative Societies Act, which is crucial for eligibility.