Financial Assistance to Boat owner / Fishermen Captured by Pakistan Marine Security Agency (PMSA) supports the families of fishermen and boat owners of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu who fall into hardship after being detained abroad. The scheme gives daily wage support, repatriation travel allowance and a subsidy for boat reconstruction so that families can get back to their livelihood.
Fisheries Department, UT Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu runs this scheme. For 2026, the daily support is paid at the unskilled daily wage rate of ₹489.50 per day per fisherman from the date of detention till release. Records show that 157 beneficiaries have been helped under this scheme over the last seven years.
Financial Assistance to Boat owner / Fishermen Captured by Pakistan Marine Security Agency (PMSA) - Introduction
Financial Assistance to Boat owner / Fishermen Captured by Pakistan Marine Security Agency (PMSA) is a supportive scheme launched by the Fisheries Department, UT Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. It aims to give relief to families affected by the detention of their loved ones and fishing vessels by the Pakistani Marine Security Agency.
By offering one-time back ended financial support, the administration helps registered and licensed fishing vessel owners operating from this Union Territory to bridge the gap and reconstruct or replace their fishing boats and engines. This effort serves to ease the deep money burden caused by such unfortunate incidents. The support is paid only for the first time a fisherman is held captive by the PMSA.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance to Boat owner / Fishermen Captured by Pakistan Marine Security Agency (PMSA) |
| Launched By | Fisheries Department, UT Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary States | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Sub Category | Fishing and hunting |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Daily Wage Support | ₹489.50 per day per fisherman (2025-26 rate) |
| Boat Subsidy | 25% of cost, maximum ₹10.00 lakh |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Nodal Department | Fisheries Department |
Benefits
To support families during difficult times, the government provides various kinds of help. The details are given below.
1. Daily Wages: The families of fishermen detained for the first time by the PMSA receive support equal to the unskilled daily wage rate currently notified by the U.T. Administration. For 2025-26 this rate is ₹489.50 per day per fisherman, paid from the date of detention till release. To qualify, the fisherman must hold a valid ID card and reside in the U.T. of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
2. Repatriation Support: For fishermen returning from Pakistani jails, the scheme covers the following:
| Type of Allowance | Benefit Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Allowance (T.A.) | Coverage for 2nd class sleeper railway fare |
| Daily Allowance (D.A.) | ₹250 per day per person during the return journey |
3. Boat Reconstruction Subsidy: Registered boat owners can receive a one-time back ended subsidy to replace or reconstruct their fishing vessels. Under this provision, you can claim 25% of the cost, capped at a maximum of ₹10.00 lakh. This benefit comes with a waiting period of five years.
Eligibility
To benefit from this scheme, you should meet the following criteria:
You must be a permanent resident of the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. You must also be a registered boat owner or a fisherman who was captured by the Pakistan Marine Security Agency, or a surviving family member of such a person.
Application Process
The application for this scheme is done through the offline process. Follow the steps given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the local office of the Fisheries Department, UT Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
STEP 2 - Request the official application form for the financial assistance scheme from the counter.
STEP 3 - Fill in your details correctly and attach all the required supporting documents with the form.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application to the designated officer for checking and processing.
Documents
Make sure you keep the following documents ready before you apply:
- Identity proof such as a valid ID card issued by the UT Administration.
- Passport size photograph for the application form.
- Residence proof showing you live in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
- Bank account details for receiving the benefit amount.
- Ration card and any other documents asked by the department officials.
References
Fisheries Schemes and Initiatives Daman & Diu 2026
FAQ's
Who is the main aim of this scheme intended to help?
The scheme is designed to help the families of fishermen and boat owners who face severe hardship because their family member or fishing vessel was caught or detained by the PMSA.
Which region must a fishing vessel owner operate from to get the back ended support?
Registered and licensed fishing vessel owners must be operating from the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
What is the purpose of the back ended financial support given to vessel owners?
The support is intended to help you reconstruct or replace your fishing boats or engines after they have been lost or seized during a capture.
How much daily financial support is given to the families of held fishermen?
The families receive an amount equal to the unskilled daily wage rate notified by the U.T. Administration, which is ₹489.50 per day for 2025-26, provided the fisherman is a first-time captive with a valid ID card and belongs to the U.T.
Does the scheme support the return of fishermen from Pakistani jails?
Yes, the scheme helps you return by covering travel and daily expenses through T.A. and D.A. provisions.
What class of railway travel is covered under the Traveling Allowance?
The scheme covers the expense of a 2nd class sleeper railway ticket for the returning fisherman.
What is the maximum percentage of subsidy offered for vessel reconstruction?
You can receive a back ended subsidy of 25% toward the cost of reconstructing or replacing a fishing vessel.
What is the money limit for the boat replacement subsidy?
The total support for a new fishing vessel is capped at a maximum of ₹10.00 lakh.
