Uttar Pradesh Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Uttar Pradesh Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme is a financial assistance scheme implemented by the Fisheries Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to help fishermen, fish farmers, and traditional boating communities purchase boats and fishing equipment required for their livelihood. The scheme is designed for people who depend on rivers, reservoirs, ponds, and other water bodies for fishing and related activities.

Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive a subsidy of 40% of the approved project cost for purchasing a non-motorized wooden fishing boat or Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boat. The assistance also covers essential fishing and safety equipment such as fishing nets, life jackets, ice boxes, and other approved accessories. By reducing the cost of these assets, the scheme aims to improve the income and working conditions of fishing communities across the state.

The scheme follows a 40:60 funding pattern, under which 40% of the approved project cost is provided by the State Government and the remaining 60% is contributed by the beneficiary. The approved unit cost was ₹67,000 in FY 2022-23 and increased to ₹70,350 in FY 2023-24. According to the scheme guidelines, the unit cost is revised annually to account for rising prices of boats and fishing equipment.

Special preference is given to beneficiaries belonging to traditional fishing communities such as Nishad, Mallah, Kevat, Bind, Kashyap, Dhimar, Batham, Raikwar, Manjhi, Godiya, Kahar, Turaiha, and Turaha. Priority is also provided to Antyodaya ration card holders and eligible families without permanent housing. Through this support, the government seeks to strengthen livelihood opportunities, encourage safer fishing practices, and promote the sustainable development of the fisheries sector in Uttar Pradesh.

The Uttar Pradesh Government has introduced several schemes aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting self-reliance among traditional occupational communities. Beneficiaries of the Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme may also find opportunities under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarojgar Yojana, Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana, Mini Nandini Krishak Samridhi Yojana, and Matikala Kaushal Vikas Yojana. Together, these schemes support entrepreneurship, skill development, and income-generating activities, creating a broader framework for economic growth and financial security in rural Uttar Pradesh.

Scheme Benefits

• Subsidy of 40% of the approved project cost
• Financial assistance for purchasing a non-motorized Wooden Fishing Boat or FRP Boat
• Subsidy for essential fishing and safety equipment
• Assistance is available for:
  • Wooden Fishing Boat
  • FRP Boat (Fibre Reinforced Plastic Boat)
  • Fishing Nets
  • Life Jackets
  • Ice Boxes
  • Other approved fishing accessories
• The approved unit cost was ₹67,000 in FY 2022-23
• The unit cost increases by 5% annually as per scheme guidelines
• The unit cost will increase by a total of 20% by FY 2026-27
• The beneficiary receives direct financial support to reduce the cost of purchasing fishing equipment
• The scheme helps improve income opportunities for fishermen and boating communities

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh
• The applicant must be engaged in fisheries, fishing, or boating-related activities
• Fish farmers having lease rights over ponds measuring at least 0.4 hectare are eligible
• Owners of private ponds are eligible
• Members of fishing communities engaged in fishing and boating activities are eligible
• The applicant must not already own a boat
• Applicants who have previously received assistance for boat purchase under any other government scheme are not eligible
• The applicant must belong to a traditional fishing or boating community, wherever applicable

Priority Categories

Preference in beneficiary selection is given in the following order:

• Antyodaya Ration Card holders belonging to traditional fishing communities
• Eligible applicants from traditional fishing communities who do not have a permanent house
• Other eligible applicants belonging to traditional fishing communities
• Other persons traditionally engaged in fisheries and fishing-related occupations

Eligible Communities

Priority is given to applicants belonging to the following traditional fishing communities:

• Nishad
• Mallah
• Kevat
• Bind
• Kashyap
• Dhimar
• Batham
• Raikwar
• Manjhi
• Godiya
• Kahar
• Turaiha
• Turaha

Required Documents

• Aadhaar Card
• Residence Certificate / Domicile Certificate of Uttar Pradesh
• Family ID (where applicable)
• Bank Account Passbook
• Mobile Number
• Passport Size Photograph
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Pond Lease Documents (for leaseholders)
• Relevant Fisheries-related documents, if required by the department

Selection Process

• Beneficiaries are selected by a District Level Committee (DLC).
• The committee is headed by the Chief Development Officer (CDO).
• Applications and documents are verified by the concerned authorities.
• Eligible applicants are shortlisted according to the prescribed priority categories.
• Final beneficiary lists are published by the Fisheries Department.
• Subsidy is transferred directly to eligible beneficiaries as per departmental guidelines.

Steps to Apply

• Eligible fishermen, fish farmers, and boating community members can apply for the Uttar Pradesh Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme through the Fisheries Department portal.
• Click on scheme option, and select the Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme.
• Now, read the information about the scheme and click on the apply.
• Here first you need to complte your profile by entering basic details such as Adhar number, name, date of birth, category etc.
• Once the profile is completed, select "Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme" from the list of available schemes.
• Fill in the application form carefully and provide all the required information.
• Upload the necessary documents, such as Aadhaar Card, residence certificate, bank account details, caste certificate (if applicable), and other relevant documents.
• After reviewing all the details, submit the application form online.
• The Fisheries Department will verify the information and documents submitted by the applicant.
• After successful verification and approval, eligible beneficiaries will be selected under the scheme and the subsidy benefit will be provided as per the departmental guidelines.

Important Points

• Only non-motorized boats are covered under the scheme.
• The approved boat length generally ranges from 15 to 18 feet.
• If the actual cost exceeds the approved unit cost, the additional amount must be paid by the beneficiary.
• The Fisheries Department empanels approved vendors for supplying boats and equipment.
• Selection is subject to the availability of budget and approval by the competent authority.

Relevant Links

• Official Website of Fisheries Department Uttar Pradesh
• Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Details On the Official Page
• UP Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme Guidelines
• UP Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme Overview and Details

Contact Information

Fisheries Department Uttar Pradesh Department

• Address: 7, Ayodhya Road, Babu Ganj, Hasanganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226007
• Phone: 5222740067
• Email: [email protected]

Uttar Pradesh Matsya Jivi Sahkari Sangh

• Address: Vikalp Khand-2, Gomti Nagar, Near Manyavar Kanshiram Tourism Management Institute, Near Kathauta Lake, Lucknow - 226010
• Phone: 5224568521