About National Scheme Of Welfare Of Fishermen
India has a vast coastline of over 7,500 kilometers, and fishing is a significant occupation for many people living in coastal areas. However, the fishing community often faces financial difficulties and lacks basic amenities like housing, clean drinking water, and community halls. To address these issues, the Indian government has launched the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen, a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to improve the standard of living of fishermen and their families.
Objectives
- To Provide fishermen with basic amenities such as housing, community halls, and tube wells for drinking water.
- Ensuring financial and social security of fishermen and their families.
- Upgrading the standard of living of fishermen.
- To Educate and train fishermen in advanced technical technologies so that they can learn scientific ways of fishing.
Full Overview National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen
| Scheme Name | National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen |
|---|---|
| Announcement | Government of India |
| Implementation | Ongoing |
| Objectives | To provide financial assistance and support to fishermen and their families in times of need |
| Incentives | Financial assistance for various purposes such as housing, education, health, and insurance |
| Beneficiaries | Fishermen and their families across India |
| Eligibility Criteria | Registered fishermen and their dependents |
| Application Process | Offline registration through designated authorities |
Eligibility
To be eligible for the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen, inland fishermen must meet the following criteria:
- Must be officially licensed by their respective State or Union Territory government.
- Must be below 60 years of age.
- Must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- Must be engaged in full-time fishing activities inland.
To be eligible for the scheme, marine fishermen must meet the following criteria:
- Must be officially licensed by their respective State or Union Territory government.
- Must be a member of a Welfare Society, Federation or Cooperative Society.
- Must involve themselves in full-time fishing activities at sea.
Benefits
Benefits of the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen:
Housing Facility: Fishermen can avail facilities for constructing houses. The scheme ensures equal distribution of houses among all fishermen residing in a village, with a base area within 35 sq. mt. and a cost not exceeding ₹75,000.
Construction of Common Facility: In villages with more than 75 houses, a community hall (with two toilets and a tube well) with a base area measuring 200 sq. mt. and within ₹2 lakh can be built. Fishermen can use this community hall as a mending shed and a drying yard.
Assurance of Clean Drinking Water: The scheme provides a tube well for every 20 houses, and the number of tube wells can be increased depending on the requirement. In addition, an alternative option is available where tube well installation is not possible.
Insurance Facility: The scheme provides group accident insurance for active fishermen. Fisherfolk licensed or identified or registered with the states or Union Territory can receive ₹50,000 in case of death or permanent total disability and ₹25,000 for partial permanent disability. The insurance cover continues for 12 months, and the affected fishermen will have to pay an annual premium worth ₹15 (per head). The Central Government pays 50%, and the State Government pays the remaining 50% subsidy as grants-in-aid. In the case of Union Territories, the Central Government bears a 100% premium.
Saving cum Relief: The scheme offers a savings cum relief component where marine fishermen contribute ₹75 for 8 months in a year. The State and Central Government match the fishermen’s contributions on a 50:50 basis, totaling ₹600. If any fishermen fail to make payment, the authorities will refund the paid amount with interest at the end of the 4th month.
Documents Required
- Application in the specific format
- Photograph of the applicant with spouse (if married)
- Vessel registration certificate (duly issued by Directorate of Fisheries)
- Current net license payment receipt
- Professional cum residential certificate
- Ration card copy
- Income certificate
- Photograph
How To Apply
To apply for this scheme, eligible fishermen have to visit their nearest FISHCOPFED office and follow the application process. The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen is a great initiative that ensures the welfare of fishermen and their families. With the benefits of this scheme, fishermen can improve their standard of living and secure their financial and social stability.