Women Scientist Scheme-A 2026

This scheme offers financial help to fishermen for building homes, community spaces, and installing tube wells, aiming Read More... to improve their living standards. Read less

Details

India's coastline and inland water bodies are home to countless fishermen whose livelihoods are tied to the sea and rivers. Recognizing their contribution and challenges, the government introduced the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen. This initiative is designed to provide essential support, helping to build better infrastructure and offer security to these hardworking individuals and their families.

What Is This Scheme?

The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen is a central government program focused on improving the lives of fishermen across India. It provides financial assistance for crucial needs like constructing houses, setting up community halls for work and recreation, and installing tube wells for clean drinking water. The scheme also includes vital insurance and savings components to ensure financial security.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme primarily targets both inland and marine fishermen. For inland fishermen, it's for those residing in coastal areas and officially licensed by their state or union territory, aged below 60, and belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. Marine fishermen are also eligible if they are licensed, fully engaged in sea activities, and are members of a recognized welfare society or cooperative. The scheme ensures that support reaches those who depend on fishing as their primary occupation.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The scheme plays a significant role in uplifting the socio-economic status of fishermen. By providing resources for basic amenities like housing and clean water, it directly improves living conditions. The community hall facility aids in their professional activities, while the insurance component offers a crucial safety net against accidents and disabilities. Additionally, the savings cum relief feature helps fishermen during lean months, ensuring a degree of financial stability throughout the year.

Objective

This scheme offers financial help to fishermen for building homes, community spaces, and installing tube wells, aiming to improve their living standards.

Benefits

₹ 55,000/- pm (and HRA as applicable) for Ph.D. or equivalent (total project cost not exceeding ₹ 30 lakh)

₹ 40,000/- pm (and HRA as applicable) for M.Phil./MTech or equivalent (total project cost not exceeding ₹ 25 lakh)

₹ 31,000/- pm (and HRA as applicable) for M.Sc. or equivalent (total project cost not exceeding ₹ 20 lakh)

This grant will cover the fellowship of the applicant and cost of small equipments, contingencies, travel, consumables, etc.The benefits are provided for a period of maximum three years.The payment of the scholarship will be through DBT.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scheme, fishermen must meet the following criteria:

For Inland Fishermen:

Must reside in coastal areas and hold an official license from the State or Union Territory.
Must be under 60 years of age.
Must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
Must be engaged full-time in inland fishing activities.

For Marine Fishermen:

Must operate under a State, Union Territory, or FISHCOPFED.
Must have an official license from their respective State or Union Territory.
Must be engaged full-time in fishing activities at sea.
Must be a member of a Welfare Society, Federation, or Cooperative Society.
Fishermen registered with FISHCOPFED can only avail benefits under the insurance component.

How To Apply

The application process typically involves submitting a filled application form along with the required documents to the relevant state or union territory fisheries department. For specific details on application submission and the exact application format, please refer to the official notifications and resources provided by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, or your respective State Fisheries Department.

Official Links:

Department of Fisheries: http://fisheries.nic.in/
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying: http://dahd.nic.in/

Documents Required

Applicants need to submit the following documents:

Application in the prescribed format.
A photograph of the applicant, along with their spouse if married.
Vessel registration certificate issued by the Directorate of Fisheries.
Receipt of the current net license payment.
Professional cum residential certificate.
Copy of Ration Card.
Income certificate.
Applicant's photograph.

FAQ’s

What financial support is available for constructing a community hall under this scheme?

If a fishermen village has more than 75 houses, a community hall can be built. The base area for this hall is 200 sq. mt., and the construction cost limit is ₹2 lakh. This facility typically includes two toilets and a tube well.

How much premium does a fisherman pay for the accident insurance cover?

Fishermen have to pay an annual premium of ₹15 per head for the Group Accident Insurance. The Central and State governments share the remaining premium cost.

What happens if a fisherman misses their payment for the Savings Cum Relief component?

If a fisherman fails to make the required payment for the Savings Cum Relief component, the amount they have already paid will be refunded with interest at the end of the 4th month.

Is there a maximum number of houses that can be built in a village under the housing facility?

No, there is no upper limit on the number of houses that can be constructed in a village. The number of houses built depends entirely on the number of eligible fishermen residing in that village.

Who is eligible for the insurance component of the scheme?

Only fishermen who are officially licensed or registered with the States or Union Territory are eligible for the Group Accident Insurance cover. This applies to both marine and inland fishermen meeting the criteria.

What is the subsidy amount provided by the government for accident insurance?

The Central Government pays 50% of the insurance premium, and the State Government pays the remaining 50%. For Union Territories, the Central Government bears 100% of the premium cost.

Can fishermen family members who also work in other professions avail this scheme?

No, the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen is specifically for individuals whose primary occupation is fishing. Fishermen or their family members engaged in other income-generating activities are generally not eligible for funds under this scheme.

What is the financial benefit for partial permanent disability under the accident insurance?

In case of partial permanent disability, the fisherman will receive an amount of ₹25,000 under the Group Accident Insurance component of the scheme.

How much is the Central and State Government contribution in the Savings Cum Relief scheme?

The Central and State Governments contribute an equal amount of ₹600 each to match the fisherman's contribution of ₹600 for the Savings Cum Relief scheme, making the total available amount ₹1800 (₹600 from fisherman + ₹600 from Central Govt + ₹600 from State Govt).

What are the main objectives of the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen?

The main objectives include providing basic amenities like housing and drinking water, ensuring financial and social security for fishermen and their families, upgrading their living standards, and training them in modern fishing techniques.