Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Andhra Pradesh Government is implementing the Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme to provide financial assistance and welfare support to the fishermen's families during the annual fishing ban period. The scheme supports marine fishermen and traditional fishing communities who depend on fishing activities for their livelihood. Earlier, the scheme operated under the name YSR Matsyakara Bharosa Scheme. The Fisheries Department introduced the scheme to provide financial assistance to fishermen during the annual fishing ban period, when marine fishing activities remain restricted.

Under the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, eligible fishermen families received annual financial assistance from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000 during the fishing ban season under the YSR Matsyakara Bharosa Scheme. Before this enhancement, fishermen reportedly received only Rs 4,000 as seasonal livelihood support.

Along with financial assistance, eligible marine fishermen also received diesel subsidy support under the YSR Matsyakara Bharosa Scheme. Under the scheme, the government provided a diesel subsidy at the rate of Rs 9 per litre for eligible marine fishing boats through designated fuel stations.

The scheme further expanded welfare coverage by including additional categories of fishermen and traditional fishing workers. Earlier, benefits mainly covered fishermen using mechanized and motorized boats. Later, the scheme extended support to other eligible fishing communities dependent on marine fishing activities.

The government also enhanced ex-gratia compensation for the fishermen families in case of accidental death while fishing operations. The ex-gratia support increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for eligible beneficiary families.

After assuming office, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition government continued the welfare support under the Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo initiative and further enhanced the financial assistance for fishermen's families. As part of its election promise, the coalition government increased the financial assistance amount from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 for eligible fishermen's families during the fishing ban period.

Under the present Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme, the Andhra Pradesh Government continues to provide welfare assistance and financial relief to fishermen's families during the annual fishing ban period through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). On 19 May 2026, the state government announced financial assistance of ₹262 crore for 1,30,796 fishermen families under the 'Services to Fishermen' initiative.

During the previous year, the government reportedly provided Rs 243 crore in assistance to 1,21,433 fishermen families under the same welfare support initiative. The enhanced financial allocation and increased beneficiary coverage reflect the state government's continued focus on the welfare, livelihood protection, and financial security of marine fishermen and traditional fishing communities in Andhra Pradesh.

Scheme Benefits

The Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme provides financial and welfare assistance to the families during the annual fishing ban period. The scheme supports marine fishermen and traditional fishing communities who depend on fishing activities for their livelihood.

• Eligible fishermen's families receive financial assistance of Rs 20,000 during the fishing ban period.
• Financial assistance is transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
• Eligible marine fishermen receive diesel subsidy support at the rate of Rs 9 per litre for fishing boats through designated fuel stations.
• The scheme provides ex-gratia compensation support of up to Rs 10 lakh to the families in case of accidental death during fishing operations.
• The scheme provides livelihood protection and financial security to the families during the marine fishing restriction period.
• Traditional fishermen, marine fishing workers, and eligible fishing communities receive welfare support under the scheme.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant should be a resident of Andhra Pradesh.
• Applicant should belong to a fishermen family dependent on fishing activities.
• The applicant should be registered with the Fisheries Department.
• The age of fishermen should be between 21 and 60 years.
• Marine fishermen, traditional fishermen, and eligible fishing workers can avail benefits.
• Applicant should possess a valid identification and bank account details linked to DBT transfer.
• Eligibility verification may take place through the Fisheries Department records and village secretariat verification.
• Fishermen operating mechanized, motorized, and non-motorized fishing crafts are eligible for assistance under the scheme.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Fishermen already receiving benefits under other government welfare schemes like Rythu Bharosa are not eligible.
• Auto drivers and tailors are not eligible under the scheme.
• Government employees and private employees receiving a regular salary or a pension are not eligible.
• Beneficiaries receiving old age pension, disability pension, or medical pension are not eligible under the scheme.

Required Documents

• Aadhaar Card
• Residence Proof
• Fishermen Registration Certificate or Fisheries ID
• Bank Account Passbook
• Mobile Number
• Ration Card
• Passport Size Photograph
• Boat Registration Details (if applicable)

Process to Check Eligibility Online

Eligible fishermen families can check their eligibility status for the Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme online through the Andhra Pradesh Beneficiary Management Portal.

• Visit the Andhra Pradesh Beneficiary Management Portal.
• On the homepage, click on the "Scheme Eligibility" option.
• Enter your Aadhaar Number in the required field.
• Select "Fishing Ban Relief Scheme" from the scheme list.
• Choose the applicable year from the dropdown menu.
• After entering all details, click on the "Get Details" button.
• Your eligibility details and beneficiary information will appear on the screen.

Difference Between YSR Matsyakara Bharosa Scheme and Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme

Here is a detailed comparison between the previous YSR Matsyakara Bharosa Scheme and the current Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme.

Steps to Apply

• Visit the nearest Fisheries Department office, Village Secretariat, or Ward Secretariat in your area.
• Ask for beneficiary verification or registration details under the Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme.
• Submit the required documents such as Aadhaar Card, the fishermen registration certificate, residence proof, ration card, bank account details, and mobile number.
• Fisheries Department officials and Secretariat staff verify the applicant's eligibility, the applicant's status, and bank account details.
• Eligible fishermen's families are included in the approved beneficiary list prepared by the Fisheries Department.
• After approval, the Andhra Pradesh Government transfers the financial assistance amount directly into the beneficiary's bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
• Beneficiaries can contact local Fisheries officials or Secretariat offices to check application status, beneficiary verification, or payment details.

Process to check Application Status

Beneficiaries can check the application status and payment details of the Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme online through the Andhra Pradesh Beneficiary Management Portal.

• Visit the Andhra Pradesh Beneficiary Management Portal.
• On the homepage, click on the "Application Status" or beneficiary status-related option.
• Enter your Aadhaar Number in the required field.
• Select "Marine Fishing Ban Relief Scheme" from the scheme list.
• Choose the applicable year from the dropdown menu.
• After entering all required details, click on the "Get OTP" button.
• Enter the OTP received and complete the verification.
• The application status, beneficiary details, and payment information will appear on your screen.

Relevant Links

• Check online Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme Eligibility
• Check Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme Application Status
• Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme Notification
• Contact the Fisheries Department for the Andhra Pradesh Matsyakara Sevalo Scheme Application Form.

Contact Information

• Department of Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh
• Andhra Pradesh SGSW Department Email Helpdesk