Conversion/Modernisation of Mechanised Fishing Boats for Deep Sea Fishing" under "Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries

Description
The scheme "Conversion/Modernisation of Mechanised Fishing Boats for Deep Sea Fishing" is a Sub-Component 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 scheme is introduced with the objective of increasing marine fish production by extending financial grants for the conversion/modernization of mechanized boats for deep-sea fishing.

Benefits
• 50% subsidy subject to a maximum of ₹ 2,50,000 per boat linked to bank finance.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - The applicant should either belong to the fishermen community or be one of those professionally engaged in fishing/fish trade occupation on a full-time basis/prospective entrepreneurs.
2. - The applicant must have resided in the Union territory of Puducherry for a continuous period of not less than five years at the time of applying for extending subsidies/ grants.
3. - The applicant must have been enrolled as a member of the Fishermen Co-operative Society and be above the age of 23 years and below 60 years.
4. - The applicant must not have been a recipient of Old Age Pension, issued by the department.
5. - The applicant should not be employed in Government/ Government Undertakings/Fishermen Co-operative Society.
6. - The applicant must not have any dues to be paid to the Department/Fishermen Co-operative Societies at the time of making the application.
7. - The mechanized boat should be registered.
8. - The hull should be extended above 47 feet of overall length procured and fixed with a new hydraulic winch, steel ropes, global positioning system, echo sounder, inbuilt insulated ice-box, life savings appliances, etc.
9. - The applicant must have obtained a provisional loan sanction order from the bank.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should visit the Office/ Sub-Office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare.
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Step 1: The interested applicant should visit the Office/ Sub-Office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare.

Step 2: Step 1: The interested applicant should request the hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the concerned authority.
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Step 1: The interested applicant should request the hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the concerned authority.

Step 3: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
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Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 4: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned authority.
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Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned authority.

Step 5: Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if…
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Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

Required Documents
• Passport Sized Photograph.
• Aadhaar Card.
• Election Photo Identity Card (for Proof of Identity).
• Ration Card (for Proof of Address).
• Birth Certificate (for Proof of Age).
• Membership Certificate from the President/Administrator of 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.
• Declaration certifying that the applicant has no outstanding dues to the Department/Fishermen Co-operative Societies at the time of application.
• Proof of possession of a registered mechanized boat.
• Specifications of the Hull.
• Provisional Loan Sanction Order From the Bank.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current subsidy percentage and maximum limit provided for the mechanized boat scheme?
A: The present subsidy stands at 50%, capped at [?]2,50,000 per boat, though this is subject to potential revisions by the Government.

Q: Can you elaborate on the specific requirements for the hull of the mechanized boat to qualify for the subsidy?
A: The mechanized boat should have a hull extended above 47 feet, equipped with essential features such as a new hydraulic winch, steel ropes, global positioning system, echo sounder, and an inbuilt insulated ice-box.

Q: What documents are mandatory for application, proving ownership of a registered mechanized boat?
A: To apply, you need to provide proof of possession for a registered mechanized boat, along with specifications of the hull and a provisional loan sanction order from the bank.

Q: Is there flexibility in the hull specifications, or is a length above 47 feet mandatory for eligibility?
A: The hull must indeed be extended above 47 feet for eligibility under this scheme; compliance with this criterion is essential.

Q: How often does the Government revise the rate of subsidy or the maximum limit for this boat financing scheme?
A: The Government has the authority to revise the subsidy rate and maximum limit periodically; applicants should stay informed about potential changes.

Q: Could you explain the significance of a provisional loan sanction order from the bank in the eligibility criteria?
A: It's a crucial requirement; applicants must have a provisional loan sanction order from the bank to qualify for the mechanized boat subsidy.

Q: Are there any specific safety features or equipment that the mechanized boat must be equipped with to meet eligibility criteria?
A: Yes, apart from the extended hull, the boat must have safety features like life-saving appliances, in addition to a new hydraulic winch, steel ropes, GPS, and echo sounder.

Q: Can the subsidy be availed without having a registered mechanized boat?
A: No, ownership of a registered mechanized boat is a fundamental requirement for availing the subsidy.

Q: Who is considered a "Registered Boat" under these rules?
A: Registered Boats refer to mechanized boats that are both registered and assigned numbers by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare in Puducherry.

Q: Are there any restrictions on employment for eligible applicants?
A: Yes, eligible applicants should not be employed in Government, Government Undertakings, or Fishermen Co-operative Society at the time of application.

Q: How is the genuineness of applications verified?
A: Applications undergo field inquiry by an officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector of Fisheries, with verification and recommendations by the scheme implementing officer, typically an Assistant Director or Deputy Director of Fisheries.

Q: What is the role of the Departmental Selection Committee in the selection process?
A: The Committee, headed by the Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, is responsible for selecting beneficiaries based on shortlisted eligible applicants, ensuring a fair and transparent process.