FISHERIES

Central Government Sponsored Schemes

The country is endowed with vast resources in terms of ponds & tanks, rivers & canals, reservoirs, lakes and other water bodies having immense scope for development of fisheries to strengthen the food security, generate employment opportunities and earn foreign exchange with the ultimate objective of improving the socio economic status of fishers and other people engaged in the sector. In this direction, the Government of India formulated and launched the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on “Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture” under macro-management approach in States/UT’s during the 10th Plan. The total outlay approved for the entire 10th Plan period is Rs 135.00 crore. The components approved under the scheme are: i) Development of Freshwater Aquaculture; ii) Development of Brackishwater Aquaculture; iii) Coldwater Fisheries and Aquaculture; iv) Development of Waterlogged Areas; v) Productive Utilization of Inland Saline/Alkaline Soils for Aquaculture; and vi) Integrated Development of Inland Capture Resources (reservoirs/rivers etc.).

The expenditure on developmental activities will be shared on 75:25 basis by the Government of India and the State/UT Governments in respect of all aforesaid components. The two components namely, Development of Freshwater Aquaculture and Brackishwater Aquaculture are to be implemented by a single agency (FFDA). The remaining four components are to be implemented through the Fisheries Department of the respective States/UT’s. The States/UT’s is required to bear full cost on base as well as incremental staff salary, maintenance of vehicle, office contingencies and acquisition of land wherever necessary, etc. The cost towards purchase of vehicles will, however, continue to be shared on 50:50 basis between the Government of India and the State/UT Governments.

The Government of India’s share is in the form of grant-in-aid for all the items given under each component as per the approved norms. Subsidy on these items is given only once to a beneficiary. In addition to individual beneficiary, the financial assistance under the above components of the scheme is also available to Self-Help Groups, Women Groups, and Fisheries Cooperative Societies etc. The State/UT Governments on all these components have to make a matching contribution.

Besides subsidy on the approved items under the scheme, the balance amount for these items may be obtained as loan made available to the beneficiaries through FFDA’s/States/UT’s Fisheries Department from lead banks/participating banks. Subsidy for all approved items under the scheme can also be given to a beneficiary if the remaining cost of items is contributed by him from his/her own resources and is duly certified by the FFDA’s/States/UT’s Fisheries Department.

The implementing agencies had to furnish quarterly/annual progress reports indicating physical and financial achievements regularly in the prescribed format already communicated to the State/UT Government. The accounts of the agency shall be subject to audit by Chartered Accountants appointed by the agency and/or by such other officers of Government of India/State/UT Governments as required under the rules and report should be intimated to this Ministry.

The State/UT Governments has to ensure that the proposals for the various components are complete in all aspects accompanied by detailed progress reports of the central share released during the proceeding years and reasons for shortfalls, if any, etc. The availability of budgetary provision in the State Budget should be specifically indicated in the proposal. The component-wise details of activities eligible for assistance, the quantum of assistance and other details are as mentioned below:

1. Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

2. Development of Marine Fisheries

3. Development of Infrastructure Facilities

4. Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen

5. Fisheries Training and Extension

6. Integrated Fisheries Development Project (NCDC and Matsyafed)

Last updated: 28-11-2006