Financial Assistance to Purchase/Construct New Fishing Craft less than 26 feet for Fishing in Inland Waters of Goa

This scheme offers financial assistance for purchasing or constructing fishing craft under 26 feet in Goa's inland waters.

Key facts

Subsidy50% of the cost of a new wooden/FRP fishing canoe under 26 feet
CeilingReported up to ₹60,000 (General) and ₹80,000 (SC/ST) after recent enhancement — confirm the current limit with the Directorate
WhoTraditional fishermen (by birth or profession), resident in Goa
ForFishing in Goa’s inland waters (rivers, canals, creeks)
How oftenOnce every 7 years (for craft replacement)
ApplyOffline to the Directorate of Fisheries (₹50 form fee)
Portalfisheries.goa.gov.in
Application windowApply when you are buying or replacing your canoe. The subsidy can be availed once every 7 years, so keep your purchase invoice and registration ready.

Benefits

Beneficiaries can receive a one-time subsidy of up to ₹30,000 for the General category and ₹36,000 for SC/ST/Women, based on the cost of the fishing craft.

Full guide

What the scheme gives you

A canoe is the single biggest asset for a traditional inland fisherman, and replacing one is expensive. Goa’s Directorate of Fisheries helps by subsidising half the cost of a new wooden or FRP fishing craft under 26 feet used for fishing in the state’s inland waters — its rivers, canals and creeks. The subsidy is 50% of the craft cost up to a fixed ceiling, and it can be taken once every 7 years to replace an ageing canoe.

The ceiling has been enhanced in recent years — reported up to ₹60,000 for General-category fishermen and ₹80,000 for SC/ST — while older notices mention lower limits. Because ceilings change, confirm the current figure with the Directorate before you plan your purchase.

Who can apply

The scheme is for genuine traditional fishermen. You are eligible if:

  • You are a traditional fisherman by birth or by profession
  • You are a resident of Goa
  • The craft is under 26 feet and used for inland-water fishing
  • It has been at least 7 years since your last subsidised craft (for a replacement claim)

How to apply

The process is offline. Obtain the prescribed application form from the Directorate of Fisheries by paying the ₹50 fee, fill in all the details with a passport-size photograph, attach the required documents (self-attested where needed), and submit it to the Directorate or the designated office. OBC applicants should include their OBC (Kharvi) or profession certificate.

Documents you need

  • Original purchase invoice of the fishing craft
  • Vessel registration certificate (and net registration, where applicable)
  • Aadhaar card and residence proof
  • Category certificate — OBC (Kharvi) / SC / ST — where relevant
  • Bank account details for the subsidy transfer

Who can apply

  • For: fisherman
  • Category: GEN, OBC, SC, ST
  • Resident of Goa
  • poor household

Applicants must be traditional fishermen by birth or profession and residents of Goa. The scheme is open to individuals from General, OBC, SC, and ST categories, with a focus on those from poor households.

Who is not eligible

  • People who are not traditional fishermen by birth or profession
  • Non-residents of Goa
  • Craft of 26 feet or longer, or craft meant for sea (not inland-water) fishing
  • A repeat claim within 7 years of the last subsidised craft

How to apply

Applications must be submitted offline to the Department of Fisheries in Goa.

  1. Request the application form from the Department by paying ₹50.
  2. Complete the application form, including all mandatory fields and a passport-sized photograph.
  3. Attach all required documents and self-attest where necessary.
  4. Submit the filled application form and documents to the Department of Fisheries or designated offices.
Apply on the official website ↗

Documents required

  • Original Invoice towards Purchase/Construction of New Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
  • Vessel Registration Certificate issued by Captain of Ports
  • River Gill Net Registration Certificate and License Certificate issued by the Department of Fisheries
  • Undertaking as per Proforma
  • Copy of Aadhaar (Unique Identification) Card
  • Other Backward Class (OBC) (Kharvi) Certificate or Profession Certificate
  • Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Scheduled Caste (SC) Certificate (if applicable)
  • Mandate Form along with Bank Pass Book
  • Bills from the Authorized Boat Dealer for the construction of the Fishing Canoe.

Common problems and how to fix them

ProblemWhat to do
Unsure which subsidy amount appliesThe ceiling was enhanced in recent years (reported up to ₹60,000 General / ₹80,000 SC/ST), while older notices cite lower figures. Confirm the current ceiling and your category rate with the Directorate of Fisheries before you buy.
OBC applicant’s claim held upOBC fishermen must attach an OBC (Kharvi) certificate or a profession certificate from the competent authority — arrange it before applying.
Craft not registeredThe vessel (and its net, where applicable) must be registered. Complete registration with the Department first, then attach the certificate to your claim.
Claiming again too soonThe replacement subsidy is once every 7 years. A fresh claim before that period is over will not be sanctioned.

Frequently asked questions

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants need to provide an original invoice, vessel registration certificate, net registration certificate, Aadhaar card, and other relevant certificates as specified.

Can the application be submitted online?

No, the application process is strictly offline and must be submitted to the designated authorities in person.

How often can benefits be availed?

Beneficiaries can avail the subsidy every 7 years for the replacement of their existing fishing canoe.

Is there a specific format for the application form?

Yes, the application form must be obtained in a prescribed format from the Department after paying a fee of ₹50.

What is the subsidy limit for different categories?

General category applicants can receive a 50% subsidy up to ₹30,000, while SC/ST/Women can receive a 60% subsidy up to ₹36,000.

Are there any specific eligibility criteria for OBC applicants?

OBC applicants must provide an OBC (Kharvi) certificate or a profession certificate issued by the competent authority.

How much subsidy will I get?

50% of the craft cost, up to a ceiling reported at ₹60,000 for General and ₹80,000 for SC/ST after recent enhancement — confirm the current limit with the Directorate.

Who can apply?

Traditional fishermen by birth or profession, resident in Goa, fishing in inland waters.

How often can I claim?

Once every 7 years, for replacing your fishing canoe.

Can I apply online?

No — the application is offline, submitted to the Directorate of Fisheries with a ₹50 form fee.

What size of craft is covered?

A fishing craft (canoe) less than 26 feet, for inland-water fishing.

Key terms explained

SC / ST / OBC
Official social categories — Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes — used for reservations and targeted welfare schemes.

Always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.

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