Financial Assistance to Purchase or Construct New Fishing Craft less than 26 feet for Fishing in Inland Waters of Goa

Goa government has launched Financial Assistance to Purchase or Construct New Fishing Craft less than 26 feet for Fishing in Inland Waters of Goa for traditional fishers in the state. This scheme is run by the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Goa, and offers direct cash subsidy so that eligible fishermen can buy or build a new FRP fishing canoe.

The subsidy is 50% of the actual cost, capped at ₹30,000, for general category fishers. Women and SC/ST category fishers get a higher subsidy of 60%, capped at ₹36,000. The unit cost for the canoe is set at ₹60,000 (excluding GST). Each eligible family can get this benefit only once every 7 years.

This scheme is active and running in Goa as of 2026. Applications are accepted offline at the fisheries offices, and the official website continues to accept submissions online as well.

Financial Assistance to Purchase or Construct New Fishing Craft less than 26 feet for Fishing in Inland Waters of Goa

This state-level scheme gives financial help to traditional fishers of Goa by covering a big part of the cost of a new fishing canoe. The money comes as a direct cash subsidy straight to the eligible fisher after the new craft is bought or built.

The subsidy percentage depends on your category. General category fishers get 50% support, while women and SC/ST category fishers get 60%. This scheme covers only canoes that are below 26 feet and used for fishing in the inland waters of Goa.

One of the key rules is that you cannot already own a registered fishing canoe. Each eligible person gets support for only one new fishing canoe. Also, if you have availed this benefit once, you must wait 7 years before you can apply again for a replacement canoe.

Highlights

How to Apply

Applications for this scheme are accepted in offline mode at the designated offices. You can also apply online via the Goa government portal. Here are the steps:

STEP 1 - Get the application form from the BDO office or the nearest sub-office of the Directorate of Fisheries. A small fee of ₹50 is charged for the prescribed form.

STEP 2 - Fill in all sections of the form carefully. Attach one recent passport-sized photograph and keep all self-attested documents ready.

STEP 3 - Submit your completed application form along with all documents at the Department of Fisheries office at Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa - 403 521, or at your nearest BDO sub-office. Make sure you submit within 6 months of registering your new canoe with the Captain of Ports.

Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for this scheme:

• You must be a traditional fisherman by birth or actively working in fishing.
• You must be a permanent resident of Goa.
• You must hold either an OBC (Kharvi) Certificate or a Profession certificate issued by the Mamlatdar, Chief Officer, or Secretary of your Village Panchayat. A Fishing Net License duly registered with the Directorate of Fisheries is also accepted.
• You should have a valid River Gill Net registration and license from the Department of Fisheries.
• Your new fishing canoe must be registered with the Captain of Ports, Government of Goa.
• No other member of your family household should own a registered fishing canoe.
• You must not be a defaulter of the Directorate of Fisheries.

Note that the applicant can apply for this benefit only once every 7 years. After receiving the subsidy once, you must wait the full 7-year cycle before you are eligible for a new benefit for a replacement canoe.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before you apply:

• Application in prescribed form (available at BDO office or Fisheries sub-office for ₹50).
• Original invoice or bill from an authorized boat dealer towards the purchase or construction of the new FRP canoe.
• Vessel registration certificate issued by the Captain of Ports, Government of Goa.
• River gill net registration certificate and license certificate issued by the Department of Fisheries.
• Signed undertaking as per the official proforma.
• Copy of your Aadhaar card.
• ST/SC Certificate, if applicable.
• Professional certificate, OBC (Kharvi) Certificate, or a Fishing Net License duly registered with the Directorate of Fisheries.
• ECS Mandate form along with bank passbook details.

For online applications, you can also use the Goa government portal at goaonline.gov.in. If you have any issues or complaints related to the scheme, you can write to the Grievance Redressal Officer or email dir-fish.goa@nic.in. The department will address your concern within 30 days.

References

Official Website, Directorate of Fisheries, Goa | Citizen Charter 2026 - Directorate of Fisheries, Goa

FAQ's

Who can apply for this fishing craft scheme?

Traditional fishers who are permanent residents of Goa and do not already own a registered fishing canoe can apply. Women and SC/ST category fishers get higher subsidy. Make sure your fishing net is registered with the Department of Fisheries before applying.

What is the subsidy amount?

General category fishers get 50% subsidy limited to ₹30,000. Women and SC/ST category fishers get 60% subsidy limited to ₹36,000. The unit cost of the canoe is ₹60,000 (excluding GST).

How often can I apply for this benefit?

You can apply once every 7 years. After receiving the subsidy once, you must wait the full 7-year period before you are eligible for a new benefit for a replacement canoe.

Is the application process online?

The main mode is offline. You should physically get the application form from the BDO office or Fisheries sub-office and submit it at the respective office. Online option is also available at goaonline.gov.in.

Where can I get the application form?

The prescribed application form is available at the BDO office or nearest sub-office of the Directorate of Fisheries in Goa. A fee of ₹50 is charged for the form.

Who is the current Grievance Redressal Officer?

Shri Chandrakant D. Velip, Deputy Director of Fisheries, is the current Grievance Redressal Officer. You can email your complaint to dir-fish.goa@nic.in and the department will respond within 30 days.

Do I need to submit the application within a time limit?

Yes. You must submit your completed application within 6 months of registering your new fishing canoe with the Captain of Ports. Late submissions may not be accepted.