Grant of Subsidy for Purchase of Mobile Sea Food Van

Description
Launched in 2010, the scheme "Grant of Subsidy for Purchase of Mobile Sea Food Van" is a subsidy scheme under the "Puducherry Development of Shore Based Facilities, Ice Plants, Service Unit, Infrastructural Facilities, and Quick Transport Facilities Rules, 2010" by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Government of Puducherry. The scheme aims to provide fisherwomen, fisherwomen self-help groups, and Fisherwomen Co-operative Societies in the Union territory of Puducherry with a mobile seafood van. This van, financed through a combination of bank loan and departmental subsidy 25% and 75%, respectively , is intended for the sale of fresh and processed fish and fishery products in areas not served by regular markets. It focuses on maintaining hygiene and offering competitive prices to the public.

Benefits
• 1. The scheme provides a subsidy of 75% on the cost of the mobile seafood van, including fabrication of the body, procurement of an insulated ice-box, a two-burner stove, cooking utensils, and accessories.
• 2. The remaining 25% is expected to be covered by a bank loan.
• The subsidy portion will be released to a separate account of the beneficiary in the bank.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should belong to the fishermen community.
2. The applicant should be a resident of the Union territory of Puducherry by birth/domicile.
3. The applicant should be a non-overdue member of the Primary Fisheries Co-operative Society concerned.
4. The applicant should be between 18 and 50 years old.
5. The applicant should not be employed in Government, Government Undertaking, or societies, either part-time or full-time.
6. The applicant should be a registered Fisherwomen Co-operative Society in the Union territory of Puducherry, or a group under SHGs registered under District Rural Development Agency and Puducherry Urban Development Agency fold.

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
• Aadhaar Card.
• Proof of Age.
• Residential Certificate of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
• Copy of Food Sharing Card.
• Birth Certificate/ Voter ID.
• Caste Certificate.
• Registration Certificate of the Cooperative/SHG.
• Proof of Membership with the Cooperative/SHG.
• Price Quotations of the Equipment Used for Fish Preparation.
• Certificates of Training on Fish Product Preparation.
• Proof of Experience in Fish Product Preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a provision for extending the age limit beyond 50 under special circumstances?
A: No, the age limit of 18 to 50 years is a fixed criterion, and there are no provisions for exemptions or extensions under special circumstances.

Q: Can a fisherwoman self-help group apply directly for the scheme, or does it have to be under the umbrella of a registered Cooperative/SHG?
A: A fisherwoman self-help group can apply directly if it is registered under the District Rural Development Agency or Puducherry Urban Development Agency fold.

Q: How does the scheme ensure that the fish products are sold at competitive prices?
A: The scheme focuses on maintaining hygiene and offering competitive prices to the public through the sale of fresh and processed fish by the beneficiaries.

Q: Can individuals outside the age range of 18 to 50 apply for an exemption?
A: No, individuals must fall within the specified age range of 18 to 50 to be eligible for the subsidy scheme.

Q: What is the primary role of the Joint Director of Fisheries in the fund disbursement process?
A: The Joint Director of Fisheries, along with regional officials and concerned banks, is responsible for withdrawing funds from the beneficiary's account for creating the mobile sea food van asset.

Q: Is there any specific training requirement for applicants to qualify for the scheme?
A: Applicants are required to provide certificates of training on fish product preparation as part of the documentation.

Q: How does the scheme address the issue of areas without regular markets for fish products?
A: The scheme addresses this by providing mobile sea food vans to fisherwomen, enabling them to sell fresh and processed fish in areas not served by regular markets.

Q: Can the subsidy be used for purposes other than the purchase of the mobile sea food van?
A: No, the subsidy is specifically intended for covering 75% of the cost of the mobile sea food van and associated equipment.

Q: What role does the field enquiry play in the application process, and who conducts it?
A: The field enquiry is a crucial step conducted by the Department to shortlist applicants. It is part of the selection process to ensure the eligibility of candidates.

Q: Can a Fisherwomen Co-operative Society from outside the Union territory of Puducherry apply for the scheme?
A: No, the Fisherwomen Co-operative Society must be registered in the Union territory of Puducherry to be eligible.

Q: How is the subsidy amount linked to the bank loan, and what is the role of the Department in this process?
A: The subsidy amount is released to the bank once the letter of intent for the loan is received. The Department plays a crucial role in offsetting the loan amount of the beneficiary.

Q: How does the Department ensure the quality of applicants during the selection process?
A: The Departmental Selection Committee, with officials from different regions, shortlists applicants based on field enquiries before forwarding applications to the nationalized bank.