Grant of 50% Subsidy for the Purchase of Aquarium and Its Accessories under "Development of Freshwater Aquaculture and Setting up of Aquarium, Ornamental Fish Breeding Centre

Description
The scheme "Grant of 50% Subsidy for the Purchase of Aquarium and Its Accessories" is a Sub-Component under the scheme "Development of Freshwater Aquaculture and Setting up of Aquarium, Ornamental Fish Breeding Centre”. The scheme is extended to all the regions of the Union territory of Puducherry. The scheme is introduced with the objective to propagate the importance of aquarium keeping and to inculcate the art of aquarium keeping among the general public.

Benefits
• The department has assessed the unit cost for the aquarium and its accessories at ₹ 7,000 per unit.
• The aquarium proposed to be issued to the beneficiaries consists of one aquarium/moulded aquarium, one stand, one power filter, one air pump, two numbers of 1’ tube lights, 10 kgs. of gravel, 9 numbers of gold fishes, 1 number of 100 grams fish food pocket and one number of scoop net.
• Unit cost: 7,000 (Maximum)*
• 50% subsidy by Government: 3,500 (Maximum)*
• 50% and above the cost of an aquarium to be paid by the beneficiary to the Secretary/Administrator of PSFCF/ KFCMU/ Fishermen Co-operative Societies in Mahe and Yanam: 3,500 (Maximum)*
• * May vary from time to time.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - The applicant should be a resident of the Union territory of Puducherry by domicile or by birth.
2. - The applicant should have attained 18 years of age.
3. - The applicant or their family member should not have benefited under the scheme previously.
4. - The applicant should possess a pucca house/commercial place to keep an aquarium.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should visit the office of the concerned authority i.e. Pondicherry State Fishermen Co-operative Federation Limited, Puducherry/The Karaikal Fishermen Co-operative Marketing Union, Karaikal/The Assistant Director o…
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Step 1: The interested applicant should visit the office of the concerned authority i.e. Pondicherry State Fishermen Co-operative Federation Limited, Puducherry/The Karaikal Fishermen Co-operative Marketing Union, Karaikal/The Assistant Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Mahe/The Assistant Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Yanam of the respective regions.

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
• Aadhar Identity Card and Smart Card
• Resident Certificate of Union Territory of Puducherry (from Deputy Tahsildar of the Area of Residence)
• Proof of Age
• Ration Card as a Proof of His/Her Residential Address
• Electoral Identity Card/PAN Card/Driving Licence as a Photo Identity Proof
• Proof of Possession of a Pucca House/Commercial Place
• Declaration

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an applicant be considered if they or their family member has benefited from the scheme previously?
A: No, applicants or their family members should not have benefited under the scheme previously to be considered eligible.

Q: What is the role of the Deputy Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare in the Selection Committee?
A: In Puducherry region, the Deputy Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare (Inland) serves as a member and convener of the Selection Committee.

Q: How is the commencement of the rules for the subsidy determined?
A: The rules come into force on the date of their publication in the official gazette.

Q: Can an applicant specify the size of the aquarium they want to purchase under the scheme?
A: Yes, applicants should specify the size of the aquarium they want to purchase, as shown in the application form, for subsidised rate consideration.

Q: What is the methodology of selection recommended by the Field Officers?
A: Field Officers recommend applications based on the location of the applicant's house or residential place to the Selection Committee.

Q: What is the target group for the aquarium subsidy scheme?
A: The scheme targets residents of the Union territory of Puducherry who fulfill the specified eligibility criteria.

Q: What is the significance of the term "KFCMU" in the guidelines?
A: "KFCMU" stands for 'The Karaikal Fishermen Co-operative Marketing Union, Karaikal,' one of the designated offices for obtaining Form-I in Karaikal region.

Q: What is the Pattern of Assistance for purchasing an aquarium under the scheme?
A: The unit cost is [?]7,000, with a 50% subsidy by the government ([?]3,500), and the beneficiary contributes the remaining 50% to the Secretary/Administrator of PSFCF/KFCMU/Fishermen Co-operative Societies.

Q: Can you explain the role of the Pondicherry State Fishermen Co-operative Federation Limited (PSFCF) in the application process?
A: PSFCF is one of the designated offices where applicants can obtain Form-I for benefiting under the scheme, and it plays a role in the application submission process.

Q: What is the scope of an aquarium, as mentioned in the guidelines?
A: An aquarium is described as an artifact that adds beauty to its surroundings, brings solace to the aged, soothes children, and helps reduce stress.

Q: What is the maximum subsidy provided by the government for the purchase of an aquarium?
A: The government provides a maximum subsidy of [?]3,500, covering 50% of the total unit cost of [?]7,000.

Q: What is the role of the Selection Committee in the process of beneficiary selection?
A: The Selection Committee, chaired by the Director of Fisheries, reviews recommended applications, ensuring the necessary documents are enclosed, and selects beneficiaries.