Puducherry, a union territory in India surrounded by Tamil Nadu, produced 42 thousand metric tons of fish in the financial year 2023. This was an increase from about 40 thousand metric tons of fish produced in the financial year 2009. To enhance the fisheries sector even more, the government introduced a govt scheme known as Subsidy for the Purchase of Fiber-reinforced Plastic Catamaran/ Vallam/ Wooden Nava/ Marine Plywood Canoe With Nets to cope with the growing needs and requirements of the people and the market.

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What Is This Government Scheme?

The "Subsidy for the Purchase of Fiber-reinforced Plastic Catamaran/ Vallam/ Wooden Nava/ Marine Plywood Canoe With Nets" is a government scheme that falls under the umbrella scheme "Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries" by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Government of Puducherry.

The objective of the yojana is to provide financial help for fishermen and subsidies to marine fisheries to increase production and help in the procurement of fibre-reinforced plastic vallam with nets.

What Are The Benefits Of This Government Subsidy Scheme?

This govt scheme provides various subsidies for marine fisheries. Let’s take a look at the benefits of this government scheme.

• For fibre-reinforced plastic catamarans and marine plywood canoes with nets, the subsidy is 50%, up to ₹50,000 per unit.

• For fibre-reinforced plastic vallams with nets, the subsidy is 50%, up to ₹1,00,000 per unit.

• For wooden nava with nets, the subsidy is 50%, up to ₹40,000 per unit.

• For inland catamarans with nets, the subsidy is 50%, up to ₹5,000 per unit, with the unit cost being ₹10,000.

These subsidies require either self-finance or a loan from the National Co-operative Development Corporation or a bank. The rate of the subsidy might be fixed by the government from time to time.

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What Is The Eligibility Criteria To Apply For The Government Scheme?

To avail of the subsidies under this govt scheme, one has to ensure they meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for the scheme.

• Must be from the marine fisheries community or engaged in fishing or fish trade full-time.

• Should have lived in Puducherry for at least five years.

• Must be a member of the Fishermen Co-operative Society.

• Aged between 23 and 60 years.

• Cannot have received an Old Age Pension from the department.

• Should not be employed by the government or any government undertaking.

• Must have no dues owed to the Department or Fishermen Co-operative Societies.

• Men need five years of sea fishing experience in mechanised or traditional crafts.

• Women need five years of fish trade experience certified by the Village Panchayat.

• Must be willing to deposit 50% of the cost of the craft and net with the Federation or Co-operative Society.

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What Are The Required Documents To Be Submitted?

Applicants have to ensure that they submit the following documents along with the application form.

• Passport Sized Photograph.

• Aadhaar Card.

• Voter's ID card.

• Ration Card for Proof of Address.

• Birth Certificate (for Proof of Age).

• Membership Certificate from the President/Administrator of the Fishermen/Fisherwoman Co-operative Society (in the case of fishermen).

• Document attesting full-time engagement in fishing or fish trade occupation (in the case of Fish Traders).

• Residence Certificate indicating a continuous period of not less than five years in the Union territory of Puducherry (from Deputy Tahsildar of the Area of Residence).

• Enrollment certificate as a member of the Fishermen Co-operative Society.

• Declaration of not being a recipient of Old Age Pension.

• Declaration of not being employed in Government/Government Undertakings/Fishermen Co-operative Society.

What Is The Application Process For The Scheme?

Fishermen who meet the eligibility criteria can follow these steps to apply for this govt scheme.

1. Visit the official Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare website.

2. Download the hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form.

3. Fill out the application form with the necessary details.

4. Attach the required documents with the application form.

5. Submit the application form to the concerned authorities.

6. Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority.

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Conclusion

With the help of the subsidies, the marine fisheries in Puducherry will see an increase in production as fishermen will be able to procure fiber-reinforced plastic vallam with nets which will in return increase production. Overall, this will help in the enhancement of livelihood for a lot of fishermen who depend on this as their main source of income.

For any queries regarding this government scheme, call 9442234785 or mail fish.pon@nic.in.

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