Financial assistance to fishermen for purchase of fisheries requisites (gill net/ river gill net with accessories)

Financial Assistance to Fishermen for Purchase of Fisheries Requisites (Gill Net/ River Gill Net with Accessories) is a Goa government scheme that helps traditional fishermen buy gill nets and the accessories that go with them. The Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa pays a 50% subsidy on the purchase cost, up to ₹30,000 for the general category and up to ₹40,000 for SC/ST fishermen.

For 2026-27, fishermen can apply online through the Goa Online portal or submit a physical application at the Directorate of Fisheries office. This reduces the money burden of buying fishing gear, so traditional fishermen can continue their work with good quality nets.

Financial assistance to fishermen for purchase of fisheries requisites (gill net/ river gill net with accessories)

This scheme is run by the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Goa, as part of its welfare support for the fishing community. Registered traditional fishermen of Goa who own a fishing canoe and meet the eligibility rules can claim the cash subsidy after buying the net and accessories from an authorised dealer.

The scheme was earlier handled only through paper applications, but now a proper online route is available. Goa Online portal lists this service under the Directorate of Fisheries, which makes the whole process easier for fishermen who can apply from home.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme gives clear financial relief on equipment costs. The subsidy amount depends on the category of the applicant:

Eligibility

To get this support, fishermen need to meet these conditions:

1. Traditional fisherman by birth or profession: the support is meant for those who depend on traditional fishing methods for their living.
2. Permanent resident of Goa: applicants must show that they live in Goa permanently.
3. No pending dues: you or your household members should not be defaulters with the Directorate of Fisheries.
4. Own a registered fishing canoe: the canoe used for fishing should be currently registered.
5. No sale condition: you agree not to sell, lease or transfer the gill net for a period of five years from the date of purchase.
6. Registered net: the fishing net must be correctly registered with the Directorate of Fisheries.

Application Process

Fishermen can apply online through the Goa Online portal or submit a physical application. Online application is the fastest way:

STEP 1 - Register on the Goa Online portal at goaonline.gov.in using your email id, mobile number, name, address and date of birth with OTP authentication.

STEP 2 - Login and open Services Menu, then All Services, then Directorate of Fisheries, and select 'Financial Assistance for purchase of fisheries requisites (gill net with accessories)'.

STEP 3 - Fill in the application form and upload the required documents such as vessel registration certificate, GST bills, fishing vessel licence and bank passbook.

STEP 4 - Submit the application and note down the acknowledgement number that comes by SMS and email, which can be used for tracking the application.

STEP 5 - Fishermen who cannot apply online can submit a physical application at the Directorate of Fisheries, Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa 403 521, or at the nearest sub-office of the Department.

Grievance Redressal: If you face any problem, contact the Department's Grievance Redressal Officer or email dir-fish.goa@nic.in. Valid complaints are acknowledged and finalised within 30 days.

Documents

Keep these documents ready for the application. For online submission, most of them can be uploaded directly:

• Valid Certificate of Vessel Registration issued under the Merchant Shipping Act 1958.
• Current Fishing Vessel Licence Certificate.
• Fishing Net Licence Certificate and updated Fishing Netbook.
• Original GST bills of the items purchased from an authorised dealer.
• Aadhaar linked bank passbook or statement.
• Aadhaar Card and EPIC card.
• Caste Certificate for SC/ST applicants.
• Photographs of the fishing canoe.
• Inspection report with photos of the canoe, net and accessories, signed by a Fisheries Inspector.

References

Apply online for fisheries requisites subsidy on Goa Online

Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Goa official page

Fisheries schemes and initiatives for Goa 2026 document

FAQ's

Can I claim the subsidy without providing the original GST bill?

No, the original GST bill from an authorised dealer is required to verify the purchase and claim the subsidy.

Is there an online application option?

Yes, now fishermen can apply online through the Goa Online portal at goaonline.gov.in. The Directorate of Fisheries service list has the option for financial assistance for purchase of fisheries requisites (gill net with accessories). Offline submission is also allowed.

What is the maximum subsidy amount for SC/ST fishermen?

SC/ST applicants get a 50% subsidy capped at ₹40,000, while general category applicants get a 50% subsidy capped at ₹30,000.

Am I allowed to sell the gill net immediately after purchase?

No, you cannot sell, lease or transfer the net for at least five years from the date of purchase.

Can I apply for the subsidy again after getting it once?

As per the Goa DBT portal, a traditional fisherman who has availed the subsidy is entitled to apply again after four years.

What is the purpose of the Fisheries Officer's visit?

The Fisheries Superintendent or Officer inspects the fishing canoe and equipment and prepares a mandatory inspection report with photographs of the setup.

How do I file a complaint about this scheme?

Contact the Grievance Redressal Officer of the Department or email dir-fish.goa@nic.in. Valid complaints are acknowledged and finalised within 30 days.

Is there any fee or income limit to apply?

No, the application process is free and there is no specific income criteria for this scheme.

Is a bank account required?

Yes, you need an active Aadhaar linked bank account to receive the subsidy benefit.