What is the National Scheme for Welfare Of Fishermen?

The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen was launched by the central government. It proposes extra funds for the fishermen to build a house, a community center for entertainment, and regular working space, as well as the installation of water supply pipes. It also assists in economically difficult times through saving cum relief components. The government has incorporated the social welfare of fishermen in the 10th phase of this welfare system. The scheme’s plan outlay budget has been authorized at Rs 120 crore. The program is administered by the federal government through the States/UTs/FISHCOPFED (an institute that offers training and insurance to fishermen) and facilitated the establishment of model fishing villages, savings components, and group accident insurance.

Objectives of the National Fishermen’s Welfare Scheme

Fishermen were given financial assistance through the centrally sponsored National Scheme of Fishermen Welfare. The money made available through this program can be used to build homes, community halls for social and professional functions, tube wells, and drinking wells. 

Few objectives of the scheme included: 

• Housing, community centers, and a tube well enough for water supply should be provided to fishers.
• Assist fishermen and their families with monetary and emotional security.
• Improve the living conditions of fishermen
• Fishermen should be educated and trained in modern technological advancements to acquire scientific fishing methods.

Eligibility Criterion for National Fishermen’s Welfare Scheme

Basic civic amenities such as housing, clean drinking water, and common areas for recreation and work will be provided to eligible inland and marine fishermen under this component. Fishermen whose states or territories have been granted formal licenses can receive cash for constructing dwellings, community centers, electricity, and security.

A. Marine Fishermen’s Eligibility Requirements

The program covers all maritime fishermen who work under the auspices of State, Federal Territory, and FISHCOPFED. Fishermen who are members of FISHCOPFED are solely qualified for the coverage component.

A person must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:

• Working full-time as a fisherman. 
• Must be a part of a Cooperative Society, Welfare Society, or Federation.
• People counted or categorized under Below Poverty Line

B. Inland Fishermen’s Eligibility Criteria

A fisherman must meet the following criteria to be able to qualify:

• One must be less than 60 years for the same.
• Being from a low-income family (BPL)
• Fishermen who work full-time in the inland waters

The family would not be considered a beneficiary if a person of the family had a full-time job and receives a regular income.

Positive Aspects of the National Scheme on Welfare Of Fishermen

1. Residential Accommodations: Fishermen can build houses with the help of the National Scheme of Fishermen Welfare. No maximum number of residences can be built in a hamlet because it solely depends on the number of fishermen who live there.
2. Accidental Insurance: All fishermen enrolled with the State or UT administration would receive Rs. 50,000 in coverage on death or permanent disability under the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen. In the event of partial disability, an extra Rs.25,000 is set aside.
3. Building of a Joint Infrastructure: If a village has more than 75 households, this government initiative secures the construction of a community center in some cases. 
4. Saving cum Relief: A savings combined alleviation program is also available under the National Scheme of Fishermen’s Welfare. For the first three months of the fishing restriction, fishermen would get uniform assistance. As a result, the fisherman would receive Rs 1800 in three equal monthly installments of Rs 600 each.
5. Ensured Drinking Water Quality: A tube well is provided for every 20 dwellings in this design. The number of bore wells is also increased based on the necessity. In addition, if tube wells construction is not feasible, this scheme gives an option.

Process for Applying to the Scheme

Potential recipients must apply for the scheme at the nearest FISHCOPFED office. The donation is accepted by the Organization and forwarded to the Director of Fisheries’ nationalized bank accounts. The whole investment, plus any earned interest, is refunded when the schemes mature.

The documents necessary for applying to FISHCOPFED are Registration as a fisherman under the Central or State Government, an Aadhaar Card, a voter ID card, and an income certificate.

Conclusion 

The government-sponsored program attracts fishermen from all over India. The Central Government funds the entire amount in Union Territories, which is subsidized by grants from the federal and state governments. FISHCOPFED pays the premium directly to farmers’ insurance policies. This National Scheme for the Welfare of fishermen has proved to be very successful and mutually beneficial. The objectives are totally in favor of fishermen aiming to provide them with housing facilities, water accessibility, and financial security. It is a scheme highly demanded and the respective state governments or their agencies will be responsible for its implementation. Also, expenditures are shared at half-percentage within the government structure.