This scheme is a sub-component of the Umbrella Scheme “Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries” implemented by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Government of Puducherry. It aims to boost marine fish production by providing subsidies for procuring mechanised boats made of wood, fiber-reinforced plastic, or steel.
Benefits
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New Mechanised Boats:
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Wooden/Fiber-Reinforced Plastic/Steel Boat (Overall length above 47 feet with nets):
50% subsidy subject to a maximum of ₹7,50,000, linked with bank finance. -
Steel Mechanised Boat (Overall length between 45 to 54 feet with nets):
50% subsidy subject to a maximum of ₹11,00,000, linked with bank finance.
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Conversion/Modernization of Existing Boats:
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Standard Conversion (Unit cost ₹5,00,000):
50% subsidy up to a maximum of ₹2,50,000 per boat. -
Modernization for Tuna Long Lining (Size of 43 feet and above, Unit cost ₹10,00,000):
50% subsidy up to a maximum of ₹5,00,000 per boat.
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Note: The subsidy rate may be updated by the Government from time to time.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Community/Occupation:
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Belong to the fishermen community or be professionally engaged full-time in fishing/fish trade or be a prospective entrepreneur in the field.
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Residency:
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Must have resided continuously in the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least five years at the time of application.
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Membership:
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Must be enrolled as a member of a Fishermen Co-operative Society.
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Age:
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Applicants must be between 23 and 60 years of age.
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Employment Status:
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Must not be receiving an Old Age Pension or employed in Government, Government Undertakings, or the Fishermen Co-operative Society.
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Financial Standing:
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Must not have any outstanding dues to the Department or Fishermen Co-operative Societies at the time of applying.
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Experience:
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For male applicants: A minimum of 5 years of sea fishing experience on any mechanised boat.
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For female applicants: Sufficient fishing trade experience as per the issuing authority.
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Prospective entrepreneurs should also possess relevant fishing trade experience.
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Application Process
Offline Process:
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Visit the Office:
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Applicants should visit the Office/Sub-Office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare.
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Obtain Application Form:
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Request a hard copy of the prescribed application format from the concerned authority.
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Complete the Form:
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Fill in all mandatory fields, attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required), and affix copies of all required documents (self-attested where necessary).
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Submit the Form:
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Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned authority.
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Obtain Acknowledgment:
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Request a receipt or acknowledgment, ensuring that it 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 proof of identity)
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Ration Card (for proof of address)
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Birth Certificate (for proof of age)
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Membership Certificate from the President/Administrator of the Fishermen/Fisherwoman Co-operative Society
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Document proving full-time engagement in fishing or fish trade (for fish traders)
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Residence Certificate showing 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 confirming non-receipt of Old Age Pension
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Declaration confirming non-employment in Government/Government Undertakings/Fishermen Co-operative Society
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Declaration certifying that there are no outstanding dues to the Department/Fishermen Co-operative Societies
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Proof of sea fishing experience (minimum 5 years for male applicants)
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For female applicants: Proof of sufficient fishing trade experience issued by the Village Panchayat
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For entrepreneurs: Fishing Trade Experience Certificate issued by the Competent Authority
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Loan sanction orders/acceptance for loan sanction from the Bank/National Co-operative Development Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can applicants with outstanding dues qualify for subsidies?
No, applicants must not have any dues pending with the Department or Fishermen Co-operative Societies. -
What is the role of Insurance Companies in these rules?
Specific guidelines regarding insurance are provided by the department; generally, insurance coverage may be mandated or recommended as per policy details. -
Can a person engaged in fish trade qualify for subsidies?
Yes, if they are full-time engaged in fishing or fish trade and meet the eligibility criteria. -
Can applicants be above the age of 60?
No, applicants must be below 60 years of age. -
What is the subsidy percentage for a new fishing vessel with an overall length of 45 to 54 feet, including nets?
It is 50% subsidy, subject to a maximum of ₹11,00,000. -
What is the subsidy percentage for conversion/modernization of an existing mechanised fishing boat with a unit cost of ₹5,00,000?
It is 50% subsidy, subject to a maximum of ₹2,50,000. -
Is there a specific overall length requirement for mechanised boats in the tuna long lining category?
Yes, for modernization in this category, the boat must be 43 feet or above, with a unit cost of ₹10,00,000 eligible for a 50% subsidy up to ₹5,00,000. -
How is the genuineness of applications verified?
Applications are verified through documentation, field inquiries, and assessments by the Departmental Selection Committee as per the established guidelines. -
Who is considered a “Registered Boat” under these rules?
The term “Registered Boat” refers to a fishing vessel that is officially registered as per local regulations and recognized by the Department. -
Who comprises the Departmental Selection Committee for the Puducherry region?
Details on the committee composition are outlined in the official guidelines and may include representatives from the Department of Fisheries and other relevant authorities.