Craft and Gear (Unit: Boats of Appropriate Sizes Including Nets, Fish & Ice Holding Boxes, Etc.) continues to provide financial subsidy support to traditional fishermen in Goa for acquiring new wooden or fiberglass reinforced plastic fishing boats under 26 feet. The Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Goa, revised the eligibility conditions under this scheme in July 2025, adding new documentation requirements and a six-month application window.
This scheme helps traditional fishermen purchase or build new fishing crafts for inland waters in Goa. The financial subsidy is sent directly to your bank account once your application is processed. The unit cost is fixed at ₹1,00,000, and the subsidy covers the cost of new canoes, fishing nets, and insulated fish and ice storage boxes.
Craft and Gear Unit of Boats Including Nets Fish and Ice Holding Boxes - Introduction
Craft and Gear (Unit: Boats of Appropriate Sizes Including Nets, Fish & Ice Holding Boxes, Etc.) helps traditional fishing communities by offering financial assistance. This scheme supports you in purchasing or building new wooden or fiberglass reinforced plastic fishing crafts that measure less than 26 feet. By helping you cover costs, this scheme improves inland fishing productivity across Goa.
The Directorate of Fisheries issued a notification on July 17, 2025, revising the eligibility conditions for this scheme. The changes aim to streamline the documentation and application process. Applicants must now possess either an OBC Kharvi certificate, a profession certificate from the Mamlatdar, municipal chief officer, or village panchayat secretary, or hold a registered fishing net licence with the Directorate.
The notification also introduced a new time limit: applicants must submit their application within six months of registering their fishing canoe with the Captain of Ports Department. These updates make the scheme more accessible while keeping the core purpose intact.
| Scheme Name | Craft and Gear (Unit: Boats of Appropriate Sizes Including Nets, Fish & Ice Holding Boxes, Etc.) |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Goa |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment, Social Welfare & Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Fisheries Department |
Benefits
This scheme provides direct financial support to help you manage the costs of your fishing equipment.
| Category | Subsidy Percentage | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General Category | 40% | ₹40,000 |
| SC, ST, and Women or their Co-operatives | 60% | ₹60,000 |
For your reference, the total unit cost is calculated at ₹1,00,000. This assistance covers your costs for new fiberglass or wooden canoes, fishing nets, and insulated fish and ice storage boxes.
Important Conditions:
You should register your canoe with the Captain of Ports Department. All nets and accessories must be registered with the Directorate of Fisheries according to the 1981 rules. Please note that you must hold onto your equipment for a minimum of five years before you can sell, mortgage, or transfer any items purchased under this scheme.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, you must be a traditional fisherman. You should possess either an OBC Kharvi certificate, a profession certificate from the Mamlatdar, municipal chief officer, or village panchayat secretary, or hold a registered fishing net licence with the Directorate of Fisheries. You must also produce original GST invoices from authorized dealers to verify your purchase. Importantly, you should not be a fishing trawler owner or a defaulter of the Department. Priority is given to those from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and women applicants, including their cooperatives.
A new condition requires applicants to submit their application within six months of registering their fishing canoe with the Captain of Ports Department.
Application Process
Offline Application
STEP 1 - Obtain the application form from your nearest Directorate of Fisheries office, Block Development Office, or Village Panchayat. Fill in your details carefully and attach all required documents.
STEP 2 - Register your fishing canoe with the Captain of Ports Department. Keep the registration certificate safe, as you must submit your application within six months of this registration.
STEP 3 - Submit the filled application form along with all required documents to the Department of Fisheries, Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa 403 521, or your local BDO office.
STEP 4 - Wait for the verification of your documents. The subsidy amount will be credited directly to your bank account once your application is processed.
Documents
You should keep the following documents ready for your application:
1. OBC Kharvi certificate, profession certificate from the Mamlatdar or municipal chief officer or village panchayat secretary, or a registered fishing net licence with the Directorate of Fisheries.
2. Original GST bills from an authorized dealer.
3. Proof of your bank account for subsidy payment.
4. Registration certificate of your fishing canoe from the Captain of Ports.
5. Registration certificate of your nets and accessories as per state fisheries rules.
References
Read the official scheme guidelines here.
FAQ's
What is the size limit for the fishing boat?
The boat must be a new wooden or fiberglass reinforced plastic canoe with a length strictly below 26 feet.
Who is the primary beneficiary of this scheme?
The program is designed to support traditional fishermen in their inland fishing activities.
Can I apply if I have previously defaulted on a department payment?
No, you are not eligible to apply if you are currently classified as a defaulter by the Fisheries Department.
Which groups receive higher financial benefits?
Applicants belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women or their cooperatives are entitled to 60% of the unit cost, capped at ₹60,000.
Can the government change these rules?
Yes, the government reserves the right to relax any scheme clauses if there is a valid, recorded reason to do so.
What proof of purchase is required?
You must submit the original GST bill from your authorized dealer to claim the subsidy.
Must I register my canoe after purchasing it?
Yes, you should register your new fishing canoe with the Captain of Ports Department.
What is the fixed unit cost used for subsidy calculation?
The scheme fixes the unit cost for the boat, nets, and ice boxes at ₹1,00,000.
Are trawler owners eligible for this?
No, you are not eligible for this subsidy if you own a fishing trawler.
What documents are needed instead of the No Objection Certificate?
You must now possess either an OBC Kharvi certificate, a profession certificate from the Mamlatdar or municipal chief officer or village panchayat secretary, or a registered fishing net licence with the Directorate of Fisheries.
Can I sell my boat after receiving the subsidy?
No, you cannot sell, mortgage, or transfer your equipment for a duration of five years from the date of purchase.
Where should the fishing activities take place?
Your subsidized equipment is intended for use specifically within the inland waters of Goa.
Are my fishing nets required to be registered?
Yes, all fishing nets and accessories must be registered with the Directorate of Fisheries under the Goa, Daman and Diu Fisheries Rules, 1981.
How is the money paid to me?
The subsidy is credited directly into your bank account after your documents have been verified.
What is the new deadline for submitting the application?
You must submit your application within six months of registering your fishing canoe with the Captain of Ports Department.