Himachal Pradesh Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Himachal Pradesh Government has introduced the Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme to provide financial support to eligible reservoir fishermen for purchasing fishing boats. Under the scheme, the government will provide a 70% subsidy on a fishing boat costing ₹50,000. The beneficiary will receive ₹35,000 as government assistance and will contribute the remaining ₹15,000.

The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on fishermen, improve the safety and efficiency of fishing activities, and strengthen livelihood and income opportunities for people dependent on reservoir fishing. The subsidy will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to eligible beneficiaries.

The scheme covers major reservoirs of Himachal Pradesh, including Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Chamera, Ranjit Sagar and Kol Dam.

Previously, the Fisheries Department had provided 25% financial assistance for fishing equipment under RKVY, with fishermen contributing the remaining 75% of the cost. The new boat subsidy provides a higher level of support specifically for the purchase of fishing boats.

Along with the Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme, the Himachal Pradesh Government has also introduced a Fishing Gear Subsidy Scheme, under which eligible fishermen will receive a 90% subsidy on cast nets and gill nets to make fishing equipment more affordable and support fishing activities across the state.

Scheme Benefits

• The Himachal Pradesh Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme provides substantial financial assistance to eligible reservoir fishermen for purchasing fishing boats.
• The government covers 70% of the prescribed boat cost, which reduces the amount that beneficiaries need to pay themselves.
• For a fishing boat costing ₹50,000:
  • Government subsidy: ₹35,000
  • Beneficiary contribution: ₹15,000
• The subsidy is provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to eligible beneficiaries.

Eligibility Requirements

• To avail of the Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme, the applicant must:
• Be a resident of Himachal Pradesh.
• Be an eligible reservoir fisherman.
• Be an active member of a registered Primary Fisheries Cooperative Society.
• Have completed at least 50 fishing days in a financial year.
• Hold a valid fishing licence issued by the Fisheries Department, Himachal Pradesh, if required under the applicable fishing regulations.

Covered Reservoirs Under The Scheme

The Himachal Pradesh Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme covers eligible reservoir fishermen engaged in fishing activities in the following major reservoirs:

• Gobind Sagar
• Pong Dam
• Chamera
• Ranjit Sagar
• Kol Dam

Required Documents

• Aadhaar Card or other valid identity proof
• Himachal Pradesh residence certificate, if required
• Valid fishing licence, if applicable
• Proof of membership in a registered Primary Fisheries Cooperative Society
• Fishing activity or fishing-days record, where applicable
• Bank account details for receiving the subsidy through DBT
• Passport-size photograph
• Any other document prescribed by the Fisheries Department

Steps to Apply

• Visit the concerned Fisheries Department office or Primary Fisheries Cooperative Society to enquire about the application process.
• Confirm that you meet the eligibility conditions prescribed under the scheme.
• Keep the required identity, fishing, cooperative membership and bank-related documents ready.
• Complete and submit the application through the mode specified by the Fisheries Department.
• The submitted application and documents will be verified by the concerned authorities.
• Follow the prescribed procedure for purchasing the fishing boat.
• After approval, the eligible subsidy will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as per the applicable procedure.

Relevant Links

• Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department
• Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme Announcement and Updates.
• Himachal Pradesh Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme Application Form (Currently not available)
• Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme Official Guidelines (Currently unavailable)

Contact Information

Department of Fisheries, Government of Himachal Pradesh

• Address: Directorate of Fisheries, Matsya Bhawan, Changer Sector, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh – 174001
• Phone: 01978224068
• Email: [email protected]
• Department of Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh – Contact Details