This scheme is a sub-component of the “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 boost marine fish production by increasing the safety and operational efficiency of fishermen through subsidized procurement of modern fishing crafts. Specifically, the scheme offers financial assistance to eligible fishermen for purchasing fiber-reinforced plastic cattamarans/vallams, wooden navas, or marine plywood canoes equipped with nets, thereby modernizing the fishing fleet and supporting sustainable fishing practices.
Benefits
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Subsidy Rates:
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Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Catamaran & Marine Plywood Canoe with Nets:
50% subsidy, up to a maximum of ₹50,000 per unit. -
Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Vallam with Nets:
50% subsidy, up to a maximum of ₹1,00,000 per unit. -
Wooden Nava with Net:
50% subsidy, up to a maximum of ₹40,000 per unit. -
Inland Catamaran with Nets:
50% subsidy, up to a maximum of ₹5,000 per unit (with a unit cost of ₹10,000).
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Linkage to Finance:
Subsidies are provided on a matching basis—beneficiaries must secure the remaining funds through their own finance or loans from banks/National Co-operative Development Corporation.
Eligibility
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Beneficiary Profile:
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Applicants must belong to the fishermen community or be professionally engaged in fishing or fish trade on a full-time basis, or be prospective entrepreneurs in the fishing sector.
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Residency:
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Must be a resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry, with a continuous residence period of at least five years at the time of application.
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Membership:
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Applicants should be enrolled as a member of the Fishermen Co-operative Society.
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Age Requirement:
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Applicants must be between 23 and 60 years of age.
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Employment Restrictions:
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Applicants must not be employed in Government, Government Undertakings, or within a Fishermen Co-operative Society.
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Experience Requirements:
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Male Applicants: Must possess a minimum of 5 years of sea fishing experience (certified by the vessel owners).
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Female Applicants: Must have at least 5 years of fish trade experience, certified by the relevant Village Panchayat.
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Financial Contribution:
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Applicants must be willing to deposit 50% of the cost of the craft and net with the Federation/Marketing Union or the Fishermen Co-operative Society as per the prescribed norms.
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Application Process
Mode: Offline
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Obtain Application Form:
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Visit the Office or Sub-Office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare to request the hard copy of the prescribed application form.
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Complete the Form:
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Fill in all mandatory fields on the form.
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Affix a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required).
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Attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
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Submission:
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Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the required documents to the concerned authority.
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Request a receipt or acknowledgment that includes the date, time, and a unique identification number, if applicable.
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Documents Required
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Passport-sized photograph.
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Aadhaar Card.
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Election Photo Identity Card (for identity proof).
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Ration Card (for address proof).
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Birth Certificate (for age proof).
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Membership Certificate from the Fishermen/Fisherwoman Co-operative Society.
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Document certifying full-time engagement in fishing or fish trade (for fish traders).
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Residence Certificate (indicating continuous residence in Puducherry for at least five years, issued by the Deputy Tahsildar).
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Enrollment Certificate as a member of the Fishermen Co-operative Society.
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Declaration of non-receipt of Old Age Pension.
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Declaration of non-employment in Government/Government Undertakings/Fishermen Co-operative Society.
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Proof of sea fishing experience (for male applicants) or fish trade experience (for female applicants, issued by the Village Panchayat).
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Loan Sanction Orders/Acceptance letter from the Bank or National Co-operative Development Corporation (for loan component).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the main objective of this scheme?
To increase marine fish production by providing a 50% subsidy for the purchase of modern fishing crafts, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of fishermen. -
What is the subsidy amount for different craft types?
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Fiber-reinforced plastic catamaran and marine plywood canoe: up to ₹50,000 per unit.
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Fiber-reinforced plastic vallam: up to ₹1,00,000 per unit.
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Wooden nava: up to ₹40,000 per unit.
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Inland catamaran with nets: up to ₹5,000 per unit.
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Can the subsidy rate change?
Yes, the rate of subsidy may be fixed by the government from time to time. -
Who is eligible to apply?
Traditional fishermen or those engaged full-time in fishing/fish trade in Puducherry who are members of a Fishermen Co-operative Society, and meet the experience criteria (5 years of sea fishing for men, 5 years of fish trade for women). -
What are the financial contribution requirements?
Beneficiaries must deposit 50% of the cost of the craft and net with the designated financial entity (Federation, Marketing Union, or Fishermen Co-operative Society) if the loan amount exceeds the specified thresholds. -
Where should the application be submitted?
Applications must be submitted offline at the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare office or at the designated BDO/Sub-Offices. -
Is there a deadline for application submission?
Check the latest scheme notification for any deadlines; otherwise, the application process is ongoing. -
What happens if the application is incomplete?
Incomplete applications will not be entertained. -
Who can applicants contact for further queries?
Contact details can be found on the official guidelines or by contacting the designated office of the Department of Fisheries.