Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Fisheries is a state scheme run by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department of Gujarat. It gives financial support to Scheduled Caste (SC) people involved in inland fisheries for fish seed rearing, stocking, boats, nets and training, so that fish production improves and SC fishermen get steady work.
In 2026 the scheme continues to be open for new applications through the I-Khedut online portal of Gujarat. It is implemented by the Commissioner of Fisheries and covers individuals, societies, self-help groups, associations, reservoir lessees and private units engaged in inland fishing.
Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Fisheries
The scheme helps SC citizens active in inland fisheries by offering money help for fish farming equipment, fish seed rearing and stocking, boats and nets, and fish sale tools. Training programs with a daily stipend are also covered so that SC fishermen can sharpen their skills while learning.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Fisheries |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individuals, Societies, SHGs, Associations, Private Units |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Cooperation Department |
| Implemented By | Commissioner of Fisheries, Gujarat |
| Application Mode | Online (I-Khedut) |
| Official Website | ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in |
Benefits
Support levels are fixed for each component, and most heavy equipment is given only once in a lifetime. The table below gives the standard assistance and the waiting period before applying again.
| Name of Component | Standard of Assistance | Wait Time for Reapplying |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Seed Rearing | ₹90 per 1000 spawn to fry; ₹260 per 1000 fry to fingerlings; ₹460 per 1000 spawn to fingerlings | 1 Year |
| Fish Seed Stocking | 100% assistance for seed and transport | 1 Year |
| Prawn Seed Stocking | 100% assistance for seed and transport | 1 Year |
| Tin Boat & Net | 50% assistance (up to ₹7,500) | 6 Years |
| F.R.P. Boat & Net | 50% assistance (up to ₹15,000) | 6 Years |
| Fish Collection Boat | 75% assistance (up to ₹3.75 lakh) | Once in a lifetime |
| Four-wheel Transport | 75% subsidy (up to ₹4.50 lakh) | Once in a lifetime |
| Three-wheel Transport | 75% subsidy (up to ₹1.50 lakh) | Once in a lifetime |
| Fish Sale Equipment | 50% subsidy (up to ₹7,500) | Once in a lifetime |
| Training Stipend | ₹125 per day | Once in a lifetime |
Who Can Apply
Before starting the online application, check that you meet the eligibility conditions given below.
- You should be an individual, a member of a society or self-help group, an association, a reservoir lessee or a private unit involved in inland fisheries.
- You must be a fisherman by profession and belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- You should be above 18 years of age and have an active bank account in your name to receive the benefit.
Documents Required
Keep these documents handy before you start your application so the process goes smoothly.
- Aadhaar card, voter ID, ration card or passport for identity proof.
- Scheduled Caste certificate.
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque.
- Quotation for the equipment to be purchased.
- Passport size photo.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted only online through the I-Khedut portal. First-time applicants must register as a beneficiary before applying.
STEP 1 - Visit the official I-Khedut Portal and click on 'Login' at the top right.
STEP 2 - Click on 'Beneficiary Registration' and choose the beneficiary type as 'Farmer', 'Institutional' or 'Except For the Farmer'.
STEP 3 - Enter the company name and address if you picked 'Institutional' or 'Except For the Farmer', then select district, taluka and village, provide your bank account details, solve the captcha and click 'Save and Next'.
STEP 4 - Enter your mobile number and email, send and verify the OTP, create a password and submit your registration.
STEP 5 - After login, click on 'Schemes' then 'Agricultural Schemes', select Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Fisheries and press 'Apply'.
STEP 6 - Click 'Apply New' to start a fresh application, fill in the details and confirm your submission. Use the 'Update Application' button to make corrections later.
STEP 7 - Take a printout of the confirmed application for your records. You can track its status or print it again from the Applicant Corner.
For further support, you can Contact Us here. Official scheme details are also available on the Commissioner of Fisheries, Gujarat website.
References
For detailed official guidelines, you can refer to the links below.
- Official Guidelines on Agriculture Department site
- Official Guidelines on Mari Yojana site
- Commissioner of Fisheries, Gujarat
FAQ's
What is the main aim of Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Fisheries?
The scheme will improve fish production in reservoirs and create better job opportunities for Scheduled Caste people engaged in inland fisheries.
Who can apply for this scheme?
An individual, society, self-help group, association, reservoir lessee or private unit involved in inland fisheries, belonging to the Scheduled Caste category and above 18 years of age with a bank account, is eligible.
Can a person from another community apply?
No, this scheme is meant only for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
What is the help available for fish seed rearing?
You can get ₹90 per 1000 spawn to fry, ₹260 per 1000 fry to fingerlings and ₹460 per 1000 spawn to fingerlings depending on recovery rates.
Is there annual support for stocking?
Yes, the scheme gives 100% assistance for fish and prawn seed stocking costs every year for eligible beneficiaries.
What boat and net subsidy is available?
You can get 50% assistance on Tin Boats and Nets up to ₹7,500 or on F.R.P. Boats and Nets up to ₹15,000.
Can the benefits be claimed more than once?
Stocking support is annual, but heavy equipment like boats and sale machinery is given only once in a lifetime per beneficiary.
How do I apply?
You should apply online through the I-Khedut portal at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.