AI SummaryWest Bengal government's Samudra Sathi scheme was announced in the 2024 financial budget to support small fishermen during the annual fishing ban. The scheme promises ₹5,000 per month for two months, a total of ₹10,000, for eligible people in the coastal districts.
Department of Fisheries published the scheme notification and standard operating procedure on March 12, 2024. As of 2026, the scheme has not been fully implemented and no payments have reached fishermen yet.
Introduction to Samudra Sathi Scheme
Fishing is the main source of income for many families in the coastal areas of West Bengal. Every year, venturing into the sea is banned from April 15 to June 14 to protect the breeding season of fish. This two-month ban removes the earnings of families who depend fully on marine fishing.
Samudra Sathi scheme was announced by Former Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya in the 2024 state budget to cover this gap. Department of Fisheries runs the scheme and pays the support through direct benefit transfer to registered marine fishermen.
- Fishing ban runs from April 15 to June 14 every year, and this is the reason the scheme exists.
- Scheme covers registered fishermen in the coastal districts of Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas.
West Bengal Bidhoba Bhata Form
Samudra Sathi Scheme Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Samudra Sathi Scheme |
| Announced By | Former Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya |
| Budget Allocated | ₹200 crore |
| Estimated Beneficiaries | 2 lakh registered fishermen |
| Benefit Amount | ₹5,000 per month for two months (₹10,000 total) |
| Covered Districts | Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas |
| Official Website | wbfisheries.wb.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria for Samudra Sathi Scheme
Before applying, a fisherman must be registered with the Department of Fisheries. The department builds the beneficiary list from its own registration database, so registration is the first step.
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal and a registered marine fisherman with the Department of Fisheries.
- Applicant must be above 21 years of age and live in one of the three coastal districts.
- Applicant must hold a bank account in their own name, since the support is paid by direct benefit transfer.
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport Size Photograph
- Mobile Number
- Bank Account Details
- Domicile Certificate
- Proof of Fisherman Registration
How to Apply for Samudra Sathi Scheme
STEP 1 - Go to the official website at wbfisheries.wb.gov.in and read the latest Samudra Sathi notification and the standard operating procedure under the Programmes and Schemes section.
STEP 2 - Confirm or complete your fisherman registration with the Department of Fisheries at your block or district fisheries office. Without registration, the department cannot include you in the beneficiary list.
STEP 3 - Collect and fill in the Samudra Sathi application form at your block or district fisheries office, or through the route shown on the official portal for the current year.
STEP 4 - Attach the required documents, such as fisherman registration proof, age proof, residence proof, bank passbook copy and a recent photograph.
STEP 5 - Submit the application within the window notified for the year and collect the dated acknowledgement.
STEP 6 - Cooperate with the verification done by the block fisheries staff, who confirm registration, residence and active fishing status before the list is finalised.
West Bengal Career Guidance Portal
Benefits and Features
Samudra Sathi scheme promises ₹5,000 per month for two months during the fishing ban period. The total payment for each eligible fisherman is ₹10,000, paid by direct benefit transfer.
- Financial support of ₹5,000 per month for two months, a total of ₹10,000 per fisherman.
- Budget allocation of ₹200 crore for the rollout of the scheme.
- Targets around 2 lakh registered fishermen in the eligible coastal districts.
- Provides relief during the fishing ban period from April 15 to June 14.
Current Status of Samudra Sathi Scheme
As of 2026, the scheme has not been fully implemented. Reports from January 2026 say that no payments have been made to fishermen even though around 56,000 people applied in 2024. The state Department of Fisheries has said it is still checking the applications and working through the rollout.
Fishermen and their families are still waiting for the promised support. The department has not given a fixed date for the first payment or confirmed whether arrears from 2024 will be paid.
Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Registration, Status, List
FAQ's
Who launched the scheme and when?
Samudra Sathi scheme was announced by Former Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya in the 2024 West Bengal state budget. Department of Fisheries published the notification and SOP on March 12, 2024.
What are the benefits of the scheme?
Registered fishermen are promised ₹5,000 per month for two months, a total of ₹10,000, during the fishing ban period.
Who is eligible to apply?
Registered marine fishermen above 21 years living in Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas districts are eligible.
How many beneficiaries are expected?
Around 2 lakh registered fishermen from the eligible districts are expected to benefit from this scheme.