Financial Grant for Reactivation of Mechanised Boats under Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries is a welfare scheme of the Government of Puducherry that gives direct cash support to fishermen for restoring their wooden, steel, or fiber-reinforced plastic mechanized boats. The Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare runs this scheme to keep fishing vessels operational and to raise marine fish production across the Union Territory.
As of August 2026, the scheme continues to accept applications through the official fisheries department offices. Eligible boat owners can get the grant for repair and maintenance work carried out on their mechanized boats during the notified fishing ban period.
Financial Grant for Reactivation of Mechanised Boats under Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries - Introduction
This scheme is a sub-component of the broader umbrella scheme run by the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Government of Puducherry. Its main aim is to help fishermen keep their livelihood going by providing money help for repairing and reactivating their fishing vessels.
By offering this support, the scheme works to increase marine fish production across the region. It makes sure that wooden, steel, or fiber-reinforced plastic mechanized boats stay in working condition and remain efficient throughout the fishing season.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Financial Grant for Reactivation of Mechanised Boats under Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Puducherry |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Fishing and hunting, Mechanization, Financial assistance |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department, Puducherry |
Benefits
The scheme provides essential cash support to keep boats in good condition. The grant amounts are structured by boat type as follows:
| Boat Type | Grant Amount |
| Wooden or Steel Mechanized Boat | ₹ 20,000 |
| Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Mechanized Boat | ₹ 10,000 |
These amounts are the current figures as per the official department update and may vary from one region of the Union Territory to another. They are also subject to periodic revision based on government approval, so it is best to check for the latest updates regularly.
Eligibility
To qualify for this financial support, a fisherman should meet the following criteria:
- Must belong to the fishermen community or be professionally engaged in fishing or fish trade full-time.
- Should have been a resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least five continuous years.
- Should be an enrolled member of a registered Fishermen Co-operative Society.
- Must be at least 23 years old but not older than 60 years.
- Should not be a recipient of the Old Age Pension from the Fisheries Department.
- Must not be employed in any government service or government undertaking.
- Should have no outstanding dues with the department or the Fishermen Co-operative Society.
- Must own a registered mechanized boat and complete the required overhauling or repairs during the notified fishing ban period without fishing during that time.
Application Process
Applications for this grant are accepted offline through the fisheries department offices. The steps to apply are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest Office or Sub-Office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare in your region.
STEP 2 - Request the prescribed application format from the office staff.
STEP 3 - Fill out the form with correct details, attach a passport-sized photograph, and make sure all required documents are attached.
STEP 4 - Submit the signed application to the concerned authority and always request a receipt or acknowledgment for future tracking.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying for the grant:
- Passport-sized photograph, Aadhaar card, and Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) as proof of identity.
- Ration card for proof of address, plus a birth certificate or age proof document.
- Membership certificate from the Fishermen Co-operative Society President and evidence of full-time engagement in fishing or fish trade.
- Residence certificate issued by a Deputy Tahsildar confirming five years of residency in Puducherry.
- Declaration confirming no Old Age Pension, a statement that the applicant is not a government employee, and a no-due certificate from the Society.
- Proof of vessel ownership, proof of repairs or overhauling done during the ban period, and a self-declaration confirming no fishing during the ban period.
References
- Read full scheme guidelines here
- Download the application form
- View list of sub-offices
- Contact the department
FAQ's
How is the genuineness of applications verified?
Each application undergoes a field inquiry by an officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector of Fisheries, followed by recommendations from an Assistant or Deputy Director.
Are there any restrictions on employment for eligible applicants?
Yes, applicants should not be employed in government services, government undertakings, or hold positions in a Fishermen Co-operative Society to be eligible.
What is the role of the Departmental Selection Committee?
The Committee, led by the Director of Fisheries, reviews the shortlisted applicants to make sure the grant payment is fair, clear, and given to deserving candidates.
Who comprises the Departmental Selection Committee for the Puducherry region?
The committee includes the Director of Fisheries, the Joint Director, the Deputy Director (Welfare), the Secretary of the State Fishermen Co-operative Federation, and the Deputy Director (Mechanisation).
What is the timeline for shortlisting eligible beneficiaries?
The department typically completes the shortlisting process within 60 days from the start of the field inquiry.
Can applicants above the age of 60 still qualify?
No, applicants must be under the age of 60 to qualify for this financial grant.
Can a person engaged in fish trade qualify for the grant?
Yes, a professional fish trader or fisherman is eligible for this scheme.
Can applicants with outstanding dues qualify?
No, all outstanding dues to the department or the Co-operative Society should be cleared before applying.
What is the current grant for reactivation of a fiber-reinforced plastic mechanized boat?
The current grant is ₹ 10,000 per FRP boat, and the amount may be revised in the future based on official government approvals.
How is the grant amount decided for different boat types?
The grant covers wooden and steel boats at ₹ 20,000 per unit and fiber-reinforced plastic boats at ₹ 10,000 per unit.