Introduction 🌊
India has a long coastline and lakhs of fishermen depend on the sea, rivers, and lakes for their livelihood. Fishing is not only a profession but also a way of life for many families living in coastal and inland regions. However, fishermen often face difficulties like lack of housing, financial insecurity, and seasonal unemployment.
To address these challenges, the Government of India introduced the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen (NSWF). This scheme provides financial assistance, housing support, community facilities, clean drinking water, and insurance coverage to fishermen and their families. In addition, it ensures that fishermen can live with dignity, security, and improved living standards.
In this article, let’s explore in detail the objectives, benefits, eligibility, application process, and documents required under this scheme in simple words.
👉 Also read: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
Objectives of the Scheme 🎯
The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen is designed with multiple objectives to uplift the fishing community. Some of the main goals are:
- 🏠 Provide Basic Amenities – Housing, community halls, and drinking water facilities for fishermen.
- 💰 Ensure Financial Security – Support fishermen during lean fishing months.
- 👨👩👧 Social Security for Families – Group insurance to protect fishermen and their dependents.
- 📈 Upgrade Standard of Living – Better living conditions through housing and infrastructure.
- 🎓 Education and Training – Promote awareness and technical knowledge so that fishermen can adopt scientific fishing methods.
Key Benefits and Features 🏆
The scheme provides several benefits that directly improve the lives of fishermen. Let’s look at them one by one:
1. Housing Facility 🏡
- Fishermen can construct new houses under this scheme.
- No upper limit is fixed for the number of houses in a village – it depends on the fishermen population.
- States ensure equal distribution of houses among all eligible fishermen.
- Each house must be 35 sq. meters in area and the construction cost must not exceed ₹75,000.
👉 Related: Sardar Patel Awas Yojana 2025
2. Construction of Community Halls 🏛️
- If a village has more than 75 houses, a community hall will be built.
- The hall will have two toilets, one tube well, and a 200 sq. meter base area.
- The cost of construction is cap at ₹2 lakh.
- Fishermen can use the hall as a mending shed, recreation hall, or drying yard.
3. Clean Drinking Water 💧
- One tube well is provided for every 20 houses.
- If tube well installation is not possible, the scheme provides an alternative water source.
- This ensures fishermen have access to safe drinking water for their families.
4. Group Accident Insurance 🛡️
The scheme also provides an insurance facility for active fishermen.
- ₹50,000 in case of death or permanent total disability.
- ₹25,000 for partial permanent disability.
- Insurance coverage continues for 12 months.
- Premium contribution is ₹15 per fisherman per year.
- Subsidy:
- Central Government: 50%
- State Government: 50%
- For Union Territories: 100% premium paid by Central Government.
Insurance is manage by FISHCOPFED (National Federation of Fishermen’s Cooperatives Ltd.).
5. Saving-cum-Relief Scheme 💵
Fishing is a seasonal activity, and during lean months fishermen may not have income. This scheme supports them through a saving-cum-relief component.
- Fishermen deposit ₹75 per month for 8 months (₹600 annually).
- The State and Central Governments contribute ₹600 each (50:50 basis).
- In case a fisherman cannot pay, the amount already deposited is refunded with interest after 4 months.
- The “lean months” differ from state to state and are decided by FISHCOPFED.
Eligibility Criteria ✅
The scheme has different eligibility conditions for inland fishermen and marine fishermen.
Inland Fishermen 🐟
- Must live in coastal/inland areas.
- Must have a valid fishing license from State/UT authorities.
- Age should be below 60 years.
- Must belong to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category.
- Should be engaged in full-time fishing activities.
Marine Fishermen ⚓
- Must have a fishing license issued by State/UT authorities.
- Should be involved in full-time sea fishing activities.
- Must be a member of a Fishermen Welfare Society / Federation / Cooperative Society.
- Only fishermen under FISHCOPFED can access the insurance benefits.
Application Process 📝
The scheme is implemented by the respective States and Union Territories. Fishermen can apply offline by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit FISHCOPFED Office 🏢
Eligible fishermen must visit the nearest FISHCOPFED office to apply.
Step 2: Contribution Collection 💰
The President or Secretary of the Fishermen’s Association will collect contributions and deposit them into the designated nationalized bank account.
Step 3: Government Matching Contribution 🔄
Both the State Government and Central Government will add their contribution to the fund.
Step 4: Fund Release with Interest 📤
At maturity, the accumulated fund along with interest is returned to the fishermen.
Documents Required 📑
Applicants need to submit the following documents while applying:
- Application form (in prescribed format)
- Photograph of applicant (with spouse if married)
- Vessel registration certificate (issued by Directorate of Fisheries)
- Current net license payment receipt
- Professional cum residential certificate
- Ration card copy
- Income certificate
- Passport-size photographs
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
1. Can fishermen or their family members involved in other income activities avail this scheme?
❌ No. Fishermen or their family members who are engaged in other income-generating activities are not eligible under this scheme.
2. How many tube wells are provided in a fishermen’s village with more than 10 but less than 20 houses?
✅ One tube well will be provided in such cases.
3. Is the scheme available for all States?
Yes, the scheme is implemented by all States and Union Territories with assistance from the Central Government.
Conclusion 🌟
The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen is a lifeline for the fishing community in India. By offering housing support, community halls, clean water, accident insurance, and savings relief, it uplifts fishermen’s standard of living. With proper implementation, this scheme ensures that fishermen and their families live with dignity, financial stability, and social security.
For fishermen, this scheme is not just financial aid – it is a step toward a better and more secure future.
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