National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen is running for fishermen across the country, and its welfare benefits are now being given through Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Under this scheme, active fishermen get accident insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh, help to build houses and community halls, drinking water facilities, and financial support during the fishing ban and lean period.
Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying runs this scheme. As per the latest information, around 35.74 lakh fishermen get accident insurance cover every year under PMMSY, and more than 30 lakh fishermen have registered on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) for welfare benefits.
National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen - Introduction
National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen is a central government scheme that helps fishing communities across India. It provides money support to construct houses, build community halls for work and recreation, and install tube wells for clean drinking water. By reducing the gap between basic needs and financial stability, it works to improve the standard of living of fishermen and their families.
This scheme will achieve several important goals:
- Provide basic amenities like housing, community halls, and drinking water sources.
- Provide financial and social support for fishermen and their families.
- Improve the standard of living of fishing families.
- Offer training in modern and scientific fishing methods so that fishermen can use better techniques.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Fishing and hunting, Financial assistance |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying |
| Tags | Fisheries, Financial Assistance, Social Welfare |
Benefits
National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen provides many benefits to support the personal growth and professional stability of fishermen. Here are the details:
Housing Support
Eligible fishermen can get support to build their own house. This scheme makes sure that houses are distributed fairly among all fishermen in the village. House construction should be on a base area of 35 sq. mt., and the total cost should not go above ₹75,000.
Community Infrastructure
If a village has more than 75 houses, this scheme helps construct a community hall with a base area of 200 sq. mt. and two toilets, along with a tube well, at a cost of up to ₹2 lakh. Fishermen can use this space as a mending shed and a drying yard.
Drinking Water
To keep health and hygiene, one tube well is provided for every 20 houses. Alternative water solutions are given where tube well installation is not possible.
Insurance Coverage
Through PMMSY, National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen offers group accident insurance for licensed and registered active fishermen. The insurance benefits are:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Death or permanent total disability | ₹5,00,000 |
| Permanent partial disability | ₹2,50,000 |
| Hospitalization due to accident | ₹25,000 |
The entire premium for this insurance cover is paid by the Central and State Governments, and fishermen do not have to pay anything from their own pocket. For Union Territories, the Central Government bears the full premium. Fishermen between 18 and 70 years of age can get this insurance cover.
Saving cum Relief Support
The saving cum relief part of this scheme now runs as the Livelihood and Nutritional Support activity under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. It helps active traditional fishermen from poor families during the fishing ban or lean period.
Under this support, each eligible fisherman gets support of ₹3,000 with a self contribution of ₹1,500 for three months during the fishing ban or lean period. The funding is shared in the ratio of 50:50 between the Centre and State for general states, 80:20 for North Eastern and Himalayan states, and 100% central share for Union Territories. Fishermen between 18 and 60 years of age can get this support.
Eligibility
Fishermen should meet the following criteria to get benefit from this scheme:
Inland Fishermen
- Fishermen should be officially licensed by their respective State or Union Territory.
- Age should be under 60 years.
- They should belong to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category.
- They must work full-time in inland fishing activities.
Marine Fishermen
- Fishermen should be licensed by their State, Union Territory, or FISHCOPFED.
- They must be engaged in full-time sea-based fishing.
- They should be active members of a Welfare Society, Federation, or Cooperative Society.
Application Process
State and Union Territory fisheries departments handle the implementation of this scheme. Fishermen should follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Go to your nearest State or Union Territory fisheries department office and collect the application form and scheme details.
STEP 2 - Fill the application form with correct personal details and attach the required documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the filled form at the fisheries department office of your area.
STEP 4 - Register on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) to get welfare benefits in future.
STEP 5 - After checking, the benefit is given to eligible fishermen as per the scheme rules.
Documents
Fishermen should keep the following list of required documents ready:
- Application in the prescribed format
- Photograph of the applicant (and spouse if married)
- Vessel registration certificate issued by the Directorate of Fisheries
- Receipt of current net license payment
- Professional cum residential certificate
- Copy of ration card
- Income certificate
- Recent passport-sized photographs
References
Official scheme page of Department of Fisheries
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana official website
PIB release - Fishermen registered under Welfare Scheme
FAQ's
Can fishermen or their family members engaged in other income-generating activities apply for funds under this scheme?
No, fishermen are not eligible to get funds under National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen if they or their family members are already engaged in other income-generating activities.
How many tube wells are provided for a village with more than 10 but fewer than 20 houses?
One tube well is provided for a fishermen village that consists of more than 10 houses but fewer than 20 houses.
Is National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen still running in 2026?
Yes. The welfare benefits of this scheme like accident insurance and lean period support continue under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Fishermen can register on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) for these benefits.