National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen

National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen: The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen is a centrally sponsored initiative designed to provide financial assistance and support to fishermen in India. This scheme aims to empower fishermen by facilitating the construction of houses, community halls for both recreational and work purposes, and the installation of tube wells. It emphasizes enhancing the living standards of fishermen, ensuring their financial and social security, and promoting skill development in modern fishing techniques.

National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen About

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, previously implemented the ‘Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries’ scheme, which included the ‘National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen.’ This scheme concluded on March 31, 2020. Presently, the Department is focusing on the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a significant program with a record investment of Rs. 20,050 crore over five years, from 2020-21 to 2024-25.

PMMSY encompasses welfare measures such as livelihood and nutritional support, along with insurance coverage for fishermen. A total of Rs. 369.55 crore has been utilized for the National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen from 2017-18 to 2021-22. PMMSY has released funds for insurance and livelihood support activities, benefiting a substantial number of fishermen.

National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen Objectives

The primary objectives of this government program for fishermen are:

1. Enhancing Basic Amenities: Providing fishermen with essential amenities such as housing, community halls, and access to clean drinking water through tube wells.
2. Financial and Social Security: Ensuring the financial and social well-being of fishermen and their families.
3. Improved Living Standards: Elevating the standard of living of fishermen and their communities.
4. Skill Development: Educating and training fishermen in advanced fishing technologies and scientific methods.

The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen aims to provide financial assistance to the fishing community, subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria.

National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen Strategy of Implementation

• The centrally sponsored scheme is executed by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
• It involves providing financial assistance for the construction of houses, community halls, tube wells, and offering insurance facilities for fishermen.
• Additionally, training and education are imparted to fishermen.

National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen offers the following features and benefits

1. Housing Facility:
   • The scheme supports fishermen in building houses.
   • No upper limit is set, and it depends on the number of fishermen in a village.
   • Equal distribution of houses among fishermen is ensured.
   • House construction must have a base area within 35 sq. mt., and the cost should not exceed ₹75,000.
2. Construction of Common Facility:
   • A community hall is built if there are more than 75 houses in a village.
   • The community hall includes two toilets and a tube well.
   • It can be used by fishermen as a mending shed and drying yard.
   • The construction cost is capped at ₹2 lakh.
3. Assurance of Clean Drinking Water:
   • A tube well is provided for every 20 houses.
   • The number of tube wells can be increased based on the requirement.
   • An alternative option is available in areas where tube well installation is not possible.
4. Insurance Facility:
   • For Group Accident Insurance for Active Fishermen.
   • Provides ₹50,000 in case of death or permanent total disability.
   • Provides ₹25,000 for partial permanent disability.
   • Insurance cover continues for 12 months with an annual premium of ₹15 (per head).
5. Saving cum Relief:
   • Offers a savings cum relief scheme, collecting ₹75 from marine fishermen for 8 months.
   • A total of ₹600 is collected, matched by an equal amount from the State and Central Government on a 50:50 basis.
   • Refund with interest is provided if payment is missed.
   • Provisions for ‘lean months’ vary based on coastal or marine areas.

National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen Eligibility

Let’s take a look at the basic qualifications for participating in the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen. Understanding these requirements is important for those who want help from this government program designed to improve the lives of fishermen.

Eligibility Criteria for Inland Fishermen

• Fishermen in coastal areas officially licensed by States or Union Territories.
• Age below 60 years.
• Belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
• Engaged in full-time inland fishing activities.

Eligibility Criteria for Marine Fishermen

• Marine fishermen under State, Union Territories, and FISHCOPFED.
• Official licensing by respective States and Union Territories.
• Full-time involvement in sea fishing.
• Membership in a Welfare Society, Federation, or Cooperative Society.
• Note: Fishermen under FISHCOPFED can access funds from the insurance component only.

How to Apply for the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen

The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen is implemented by the respective States and Union Territories. The application process involves the following steps:

Step 1: Visit FISHCOPFED Office

• Eligible fishermen need to visit their nearest FISHCOPFED office to apply for this government scheme for fisheries.

Step 2: Contribution Collection

• The President or Secretary of the Association will collect the contribution from eligible fishermen.

Step 3: Contribution Forwarding

• The collected contributions will be forwarded to the Nationalized bank accounts selected by the Director of Fisheries.

Step 4: Contribution Matching and Fund Allocation

• The State and Central Government will match the fishermen’s contributions as allotted for them.

Step 5: Scheme Maturity and Fund Return

• Once the scheme reaches maturity, the authorities will return funds along with the total accrued interest to the eligible fishermen.

National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen Required Documents

• Application in the specified format.
• Photograph of the applicant (with spouse if married).
• Vessel registration certificate (issued by Directorate of Fisheries).
• Current net license payment receipt.
• Professional cum residential certificate.
• Ration card copy.
• Income certificate.
• Photograph.