Financial Assistance for Purchase of Fuel (Petrol) to the Fishermen for Operation of Out Board Motors

Financial Assistance for Purchase of Fuel (Petrol) to the Fishermen for Operation of Out Board Motors is a Goa state scheme run by the Fisheries Department, Government of Goa. It gives traditional fishermen a cash subsidy of ₹30 per litre on petrol used in out board motor fitted fishing canoes, which helps lower daily operating costs.

For the current 2026-27 period, this fuel support continues to be offered by the Directorate of Fisheries, Goa. Registered traditional fishermen who meet the eligibility conditions can claim the petrol subsidy once every year based on their recorded annual fuel consumption.

Financial Assistance for Purchase of Fuel (Petrol) to the Fishermen for Operation of Out Board Motors - Introduction

Fishing trips depend heavily on petrol, and fuel cost is often the biggest daily expense for small boat owners. This scheme was introduced to reduce that burden for traditional fishermen operating out board motor fitted canoes in Goa. The subsidy is paid directly on the petrol consumed, so the fisherman saves money on every litre used during the year.

The same benefit applies to all eligible applicants. However, the maximum quantity of petrol covered is higher for SC/ST fishermen, so they can claim support on up to 1100 litres instead of 1000 litres. The annual limit is fixed according to the category, and the rate remains ₹30 per litre for both categories.

Benefits

Under this scheme, the eligible fisherman receives ₹30 per litre on the petrol used in the out board motor of the fishing canoe. The benefit amount is decided by the maximum consumption limit set for the category.

A general fisherman can get up to ₹30,000 a year (1000 litres at ₹30 per litre), while an SC/ST fisherman can get up to ₹33,000 a year (1100 litres at ₹30 per litre). This yearly support helps traditional fishermen keep their boats running without taking too much away from their income.

Eligibility

Check the following conditions before applying. The applicant should meet all of them to get the petrol subsidy.

1. You should be a traditional fisherman by birth or by profession.
2. You must be a permanent resident of Goa.
3. Your fishing canoe should be registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and the rules framed under it.
4. You should be a member of a registered Fisheries Co-operative Society or Association, or an individual applicant accepted by the department.
5. You must not have any pending dues or be a defaulter with the Directorate of Fisheries.
6. You must follow the Goa, Daman & Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980.
7. Your fishing vessel or canoe must be fitted with a petrol out board motor of 10HP or below.

Application Process

The application for the petrol subsidy is submitted offline. Follow these steps to apply:

STEP 1 - Download the prescribed application form from the schemes and services section of the official website of the Directorate of Fisheries, Goa (fisheries.goa.gov.in) and take a printout.

STEP 2 - Fill in every required detail in the form, paste a passport sized photograph, and keep self attested copies of the required documents ready.

STEP 3 - Submit the completed form along with the documents to the Department of Fisheries at Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa - 403 521. You can also submit it to the official posted at your local BDO office or the sub-office of the department.

If there is any problem with the application or the benefit, contact the Grievance Redressal Officer of the department. Complaints can also be sent by email to dir-fish.goa@nic.in. The department acknowledges every complaint and gives the final reply within 30 days.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before submitting the application:

• Certificate of Vessel Registration issued by the Directorate of Fisheries.
• Valid Fishing Vessel License Certificate.
• Fishing Net License Certificate.
• Caste Certificate, if applicable for SC/ST applicants.
• Aadhaar Card.
• ECS Mandate Form for direct payment.
• Self-declaration document.
• Original fuel bills or bills provided by your petrol pump owner.
• Petrol Consumption Passbook.

References

The scheme details are available on the official website of the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Goa (fisheries.goa.gov.in) and on the Goa State DBT portal (dbtgoa.gov.in). The prescribed application form and the citizen charter are also hosted on the department's website.

FAQ's

Are there any penalties for violating fishing regulations?

Yes. If you are found to be a violator of the Goa, Daman & Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980, you will not be eligible for this benefit.

Is the application process available online?

The approved process under this scheme is offline. The department's website and the Goa DBT portal list the petrol subsidy for fishermen under their services, but the application form is submitted at the Directorate of Fisheries or the local BDO office as per the current scheme rules.

What happens if my fishing canoe is not registered?

Registration under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 is mandatory. Without it, your application will not be processed.

Are neighboring state residents eligible for this financial help?

No. This scheme is strictly for permanent residents of Goa who practice traditional fishing.

Is there a specific deadline for submitting the application?

The current scheme rules do not mention a specific closing date. It is better to apply as soon as your annual petrol consumption is recorded.

Can I use an out board motor that is higher than 10HP?

No. The subsidy is only for petrol out board motors with a capacity of 10HP or below.

How often can I claim the subsidy?

You can claim this benefit once every year, provided you meet all the conditions each year.