Himachal Government Announces Major Subsidies for Fishermen, 70% Aid on Boats and 90% on Fishing Gear.
Shimla:
In a major initiative aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of fishermen across Himachal Pradesh, the state government led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has introduced comprehensive subsidy schemes for fishing boats and fishing gear.
The schemes provide 70 percent financial assistance for fishing boats and 90 percent subsidy on cast nets and gill nets, with the objective of modernizing fishing activities, making quality equipment affordable and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for fishermen.
70 Percent Subsidy on Fishing Boats
Under the Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme, eligible reservoir fishermen will receive 70 percent financial assistance for purchasing fishing boats.
The unit cost of a fishing boat has been fixed at Rs. 50,000. Of this amount, the state government will provide 70 percent subsidy, equivalent to Rs. 35,000, while the remaining 30 percent, or Rs. 15,000, will be contributed by the beneficiary.
The scheme is intended to modernize the fishing fleet operating in major reservoirs of Himachal Pradesh, including Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Chamera, Ranjit Sagar and Kol Dam. The initiative is expected to improve safety and operational efficiency while creating better income opportunities for fishermen dependent on reservoir fisheries.
To qualify for the boat subsidy, an applicant must be an active member of a registered Primary Fisheries Cooperative Society and must have completed at least 50 fishing days during a financial year.
90 Percent Subsidy on Cast Nets and Gill Nets
In another significant measure, the state government has introduced a subsidized Fishing Gear Scheme under which eligible fishermen will receive a 90 percent subsidy on cast nets and gill nets.
Under the scheme, active riverine fishermen will receive cast nets costing Rs. 3,000 by contributing only Rs. 300. The state government will bear the remaining Rs. 2,700 as subsidy.
Similarly, eligible reservoir fishermen will receive gill nets costing Rs. 5,000 by paying only Rs. 500, while the government will provide a subsidy of Rs. 4,500.
The scheme is aimed at ensuring that fishermen have access to quality fishing equipment at affordable rates while encouraging more efficient and sustainable fishing practices. It is also expected to contribute to increased fish production in the state’s rivers and reservoirs.
7,000 Fishermen to Benefit Through DBT
Under the fishing gear subsidy scheme, 4,000 active riverine fishermen will receive cast nets, while 3,000 active reservoir fishermen will receive gill nets.
The benefits will be transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, ensuring that financial assistance reaches eligible beneficiaries directly.
To avail themselves of the fishing gear subsidy, beneficiaries must possess a valid fishing licence issued by the Fisheries Department for at least three consecutive years.
Focus on Sustainable Fisheries and Rural Livelihoods
The state government said the initiatives are part of its broader efforts to transform fisheries into a sustainable source of livelihood and employment in Himachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the government was committed to providing direct financial assistance to fishermen while strengthening the rural economy.
“The state government is committed to transforming the fisheries sector into a sustainable source of livelihood and employment. These schemes will provide direct financial support to fishermen while strengthening the rural economy,” the Chief Minister said.
He said the government was adopting a focused approach to promote the blue economy in Himachal Pradesh and create new livelihood opportunities for rural youth.
According to the Chief Minister, the initiatives are expected to improve the socio-economic condition of fishermen while also contributing to higher fish production, value addition and income generation across the state.
The government believes that improved access to fishing boats and modern fishing gear will help fishermen increase their productivity and earnings while encouraging responsible and sustainable use of the state’s aquatic resources.
