National Scheme Of Welfare Of Fishermen
The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen (NSWF) is a central government scheme that provides housing, community infrastructure, drinking water, group accident insurance, and a savings-cum-relief fund to fishermen living below the poverty line along India's coast and inland waterways. Benefits are delivered through State and Union Territory governments in coordination with FISHCOPFED. Eligible fishermen apply by visiting their nearest FISHCOPFED office or through their State's fisheries department.
About This Scheme
The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen (NSWF) is a central government scheme that provides housing, community infrastructure, drinking water, group accident insurance, and a savings-cum-relief fund to fishermen living below the poverty line along India's coast and inland waterways. Benefits are delivered through State and Union Territory governments in coordination with FISHCOPFED. Eligible fishermen apply by visiting their nearest FISHCOPFED office or through their State's fisheries department.
Full official description
The National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen is a centrally sponsored scheme that provides financial assistance to fishermen. They can use these for constructing houses and community halls for both recreation and work purposes. Further, through the amount availed under this scheme, fishermen can install tube wells.
Objectives-
- Provide fishermen with basic amenities such as housing, community halls, tube well for drinking water.
- Ensure Financial And Social Securities Of Fishermen And Their Families.
- Upgrade The Standard Of Living Of Fishermen.
- Educate And Train Fishermen In Advanced Technical Technologies So That They Can Learn Scientific Ways Of Fishing.
Benefits
- Housing: Assistance to construct a home up to 35 sq. mt. base area, cost not exceeding Rs.75,000
- Community hall: Built for villages with more than 75 houses; up to 200 sq. mt., cost up to Rs.2 lakh (includes 2 toilets and a tube well)
- Drinking water: One tube well for every 20 houses
- Group accident insurance: Rs.50,000 for death or permanent total disability; Rs.25,000 for partial permanent disability — annual premium of Rs.15/head (50% borne by Central Government, 50% by State)
- Savings-cum-relief fund: Marine fishermen contribute Rs.75/month for 8 months; Central and State Governments match Rs.300 each, providing Rs.1,200 total per year for lean fishing months
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a fisherman (inland or marine) licensed by the respective State or Union Territory
- Must be below 60 years of age
- Must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category
- Must be engaged full-time in fishing activities (inland or at sea)
- Marine fishermen must additionally be a member of a Welfare Society, Federation, or Cooperative Society
- FISHCOPFED member fishermen can avail the insurance component only
How to Apply
The respective States and Union Territories complete the implementation of the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen. The working and fund allocation processes are as follows. Step-1: Eligible fishermen have to visit their nearest FISHCOPFED office to apply for this Government scheme for fisheries. Step-2: Next, the President or Secretary of the Association will collect the contribution and forward it to the Nationalised bank accounts selected by the Director of Fisheries. Step-3: Then, the State and Central Government match the fishermen’s contributions as allotted for them. Step-4: Once this scheme reaches maturity, the authorities will return funds with the total accrued interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Fishermen Or Members Of Fishermen Families Indulged In Other Income Activities Avail Funds Under The National Scheme Of Welfare Of Fishermen?
No, fishermen or fishermen family members indulged in other income activities cannot avail funds under the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen.
How Many Tube Wells Does This Scheme Provide For A Fishermen Village With More Than 10 Houses But Less Than 20 Houses?
One tube well will be provided for a fishermen village with more than 10 houses but less than 20 houses.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Application in the specific format
- Photograph of the applicant with spouse (if married)
- Vessel registration certificate (duly issued by Directorate of Fisheries)
- Current net license payment receipt
- Professional cum residential certificate
- Ration card copy
- Income certificate
- Photograph