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. Its primary objective is to reimburse or exempt the sales tax on high-speed diesel oil consumed by registered mechanized boat operators. The scheme ensures that subsidies are linked to bank finance, and funds are disbursed via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), thereby lowering operational costs for mechanized fishing ventures.
Benefits
• Sales Tax Reimbursement: Reimbursement or spot exemption of sales tax on high-speed diesel oil, subject to a maximum of 15,000 liters per boat per annum (subject to revision by the Government).
• Direct Benefit Transfer: Subsidy amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
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.
• Must have resided in Puducherry for a continuous period of not less than five years at the time of application.
• Must be enrolled as a member of the Fishermen Co-operative Society and aged between 23 and 60 years.
• Applicant must not be receiving Old Age Pension from the department.
• Applicant should not be employed in Government/Government Undertakings/Fishermen Co-operative Society.
• Must have no outstanding dues to the Department or Fishermen Co-operative Societies at the time of application.
• Must possess a registered mechanized boat or motorized fishing craft (with valid renewal) and a renewed diesel passbook.
• Must submit original bills as proof of diesel drawn from authorized bunks.
• Applicant must not have fished during notified fish ban periods.
Application Process
Offline
• Step 01: Visit the Office/Sub-Office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare.
• Step 02: Request the hard copy of the prescribed application form from the concerned authority.
• Step 03: Fill in all mandatory fields on the form, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed, if required), and attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
• Step 04: Submit the completed and signed application form along with documents to the concerned authority.
• Step 05: Request a receipt or acknowledgment that includes 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 proving full-time engagement in fishing or fish trade (for fish traders)
• Residence Certificate indicating a continuous period of not less than five years in Puducherry (issued by 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 or motorized fishing craft
• Diesel Passbook (showing monthly renewals)
• Original bills as proof of diesel drawn from authorized bunks
• Declaration that the applicant has not fished during notified fish ban periods
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the maximum limit for reimbursement?
A: The sales tax on high-speed diesel oil is reimbursed for up to 15,000 liters per boat per annum.
Q: How often must the mechanized boat be renewed?
A: The boat must be registered and renewed on an annual basis as per regulatory requirements.
Q: What documentation is required to prove diesel consumption eligibility?
A: Applicants must submit diesel bills from authorized bunks and a renewed diesel passbook.
Q: Are there any specific requirements for the boat hull?
A: No specific hull requirements are mentioned in this scheme; the focus is on diesel consumption and registered boat status.
Q: How frequently does the Government revise subsidy rates or maximum limits?
A: The Government may periodically revise the subsidy rate and maximum limit.
Q: What is the significance of the provisional loan sanction order?
A: It confirms that the applicant has secured bank finance for boat modernization, which is a key eligibility criterion for subsidy disbursement.
Q: Are there specific safety features required on the boat?
A: Yes, the boat should be a registered mechanized boat with proper renewal and compliance, but specific safety features are not detailed in this scheme.
Q: Can the subsidy be availed without a registered mechanized boat?
A: No, only registered mechanized boats qualify for the subsidy.
Q: Who is considered a “Registered Boat” under the scheme?
A: A boat that is officially documented and holds a valid registration certificate issued by the relevant authority in Puducherry.
Q: Are there restrictions on employment for eligible applicants?
A: Yes, applicants must not be employed in Government, Government Undertakings, or Fishermen Co-operative Societies.
Q: How is the genuineness of applications verified?
A: Through document scrutiny, biometric verification, and field inspections by the department’s officers.
Q: Who comprises the Departmental Selection Committee?
A: The committee typically consists of senior officials from the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, though specific names vary by region.
Q: What triggers the release of the subsidy?
A: Upon successful verification of all documents and field inspections, the subsidy is released via EFT/RTGS/NEFT.