Port Blair, Nov. 29: The Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration is implementing a component ‘Motorization of Traditional Craft’ under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – ‘Blue Revolution’ wherein subsidy is provided for purchase of outboard/inboard marine engine /fishing gear & propeller. The pattern of subsidy and eligibility criteria for the programme of the scheme are as under:-

Pattern of Subsidy for General Category

40% of the unit cost with a ceiling of Rs. 48,000/- per inboard / outboard engine, fishing gear and propeller for unit cost of Rs.1.20 Lakh.

Pattern of Subsidy for ST/SC, Women Category

60% of the unit cost with a ceiling of Rs.72,000/-per inboard outboard engine, fishing gear and propeller for unit cost of Rs.1.20 Lakh.

For availing the benefit under the scheme, applicant should be a bonafide fisherman of A & N Islands possessing registered non-motorized or motorized fishing craft, holding valid fishing licence continuously for 02 years including the current year. The pandemic COVID relaxation is applicable.  The engine to be purchased should not be of more than 30 Horse Power (HP).  The eligible subsidy for procurement of engine shall be upto 10 HP. The fishermen possessing motorized fishing crafts, whose engines are of more than 05 years old and are unserviceable, are also eligible to replace the engines. The fishermen seeking replacement of 05 years old and unserviceable engine should produce a certificate issued by an Authorised Marine Engineer stating that the engine is beyond economical repair.  The type / size of gear allowed to purchase are Gill net not below 25 mm mesh (knot to knot diagonally), hook & line. Shore seine/drag net of mesh size not below 25 mm., fish traps.  The applicant should not have availed the assistance for purchase of engine, fishing gear and propeller from the Department of Fisheries or any other Government Department during the last 5 years.

Applications have been invited from eligible beneficiaries interested in the procurement of outboard/inboard marine engine /fishing gear & propeller to extend subsidy by the Department during 2022-23. Application form and detailed terms & conditions of the scheme can be obtained from the Directorate of Fisheries / Fisheries Zonal Offices / Fisheries Sub Stations / Zilla Parishads / Panchayat Samities. The applications completed in all respect should reach the nearest Fisheries Zonal Office/Sub -Stations by 31st December.