Financial Assistance to Gad-Hanjis

Financial Assistance to Gad-Hanjis offers cash support to licensed fishermen in Jammu and Kashmir to buy Nylon Twine. This state-sponsored welfare scheme is run by the Department of Social Welfare, and it helps eligible people lower their fishing costs so they can continue their work without money pressure. To take part, a fisherman submits an application offline to the local District Social Welfare Officer and meets the income and licensing rules set by the department.

The scheme is still open for eligible people in the union territory. As of August 2026, the same benefit amounts, eligibility terms and offline application process continue to apply, and the official guidelines remain available on the J&K Social Welfare websites.

Financial Assistance to Gad-Hanjis - Introduction

Financial Assistance to Gad-Hanjis is a dedicated program made for the fishing community of Jammu and Kashmir. Under this scheme, the Social Welfare Department gives monetary support to licensed fishermen, known locally as Gad-Hanjis, to cover the cost of purchasing Nylon Twine for their nets.

This is a fully state-funded scheme and it is open only to permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir. A licensed fisherman who wants to get this benefit should contact the nearest District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) to find out about the application process and the required documents.

Key Information

Benefits

The financial support given for buying Nylon Twine depends on the license fee a fisherman has already paid. The benefit tiers are fixed by the department and are given below.

Eligibility

To be considered for this scheme, a fisherman should meet the following conditions set by the department.

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Jammu and Kashmir and a citizen of India.
• The applicant must hold a valid Gad-Hanji (fisherman) license issued by the Fisheries Department for the last 3 consecutive years.
• The annual family income should not exceed ₹ 3,600. For example, if a fisherman earns ₹ 300 in a month, the total annual income of ₹ 3,600 qualifies for support.
• The applicant should not have received support under this scheme within the last 2 years.

Application Process

This is an offline process, and a fisherman has to apply in person at the District Social Welfare Office. The steps are simple and are explained below.

STEP 1 - Visit the local District Social Welfare Office and ask for a physical copy of the application form for Financial Assistance to Gad-Hanjis.

STEP 2 - Fill in all the required details, attach a passport-sized photograph that is properly signed, and include all the self-attested documents.

STEP 3 - Hand over the completed and signed application form along with the documents to the District Social Welfare Officer.

STEP 4 - Always collect a receipt or acknowledgment slip while submitting the application so the status can be tracked later.

Post-Application Process - Once submitted, the DSWO checks the documents and sends the file to the District Level Sanctioning Committee. This committee reviews the cases and issues approval orders within one month. After the approval, the DSWO releases the funds directly to the sanctioned beneficiaries. The application status can be checked by visiting or contacting the District Social Welfare Office.

Documents

Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying.

• Residential Certificate or Domicile Certificate of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Valid Fisherman License issued by the Fisheries Department.
• 3 passport-sized photographs, signed across.
• Aadhaar Card.
• Bank Account details, including name, branch, address and IFSC code.
• Income Certificate issued by a Tehsildar or attested by a Gazetted Officer or Magistrate.
• Proof of age.
• Any additional documents asked by the District Social Welfare Office.

References

View Official Guidelines | Download Scheme PDF | Department of Social Welfare Website

FAQ's

What types of benefits are provided in this scheme?

Eligible licensed fishermen receive cash support specifically for the purchase of Nylon Twine.

Of what material should the twine be made?

The twine should be made of Nylon.

What amount of financial assistance is paid to a licensed fisherman who has paid a fee of ₹ 50?

A fisherman who has paid a license fee of ₹ 50 receives ₹ 500 as financial assistance.

What is the meaning of Gad-Hanji?

The term Gad-Hanji means fisherman.

What details are required in the income certificate?

The income certificate should clearly state the family's total monthly income from all combined sources.

What is the maximum amount of financial assistance one can receive?

The maximum financial help through this scheme is ₹ 500.

Who are the target beneficiaries of this scheme?

This scheme is open to all licensed fishermen, known as Gad-Hanjis, in Jammu and Kashmir.

Is the residential or domicile certificate of Jammu and Kashmir a mandatory document?

Yes, a domicile certificate is required to prove residence in the union territory.

Is this a state-funded or centrally-funded scheme?

This is a fully state-funded scheme.

Is there any application fee?

No, the application process is completely free.

Is there any compensation for delay in the disbursal of benefits?

The current scheme rules do not mention any compensation for delays.

How do I identify mandatory fields in the application form?

Mandatory fields are marked with an asterisk (*) symbol next to them.

Can applicants from neighboring states apply?

No, this scheme is strictly for permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

Is there an income-related criterion for this scheme?

Yes, the total family income should be less than ₹ 3,600 per year.

Does this scheme accept online applications?

No, applications are submitted in person through the offline process at the District Social Welfare Office.