Sri Vijaya Puram, October 23: Fishermen in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can receive subsidies of up to 75% on life-saving appliances, firefighting equipment and navigation devices under a government assistance scheme, with applications closing on October 30. The Department of Fisheries has invited eligible applicants from municipal and tribal fishing areas to seek financial support for purchasing equipment used aboard fishing vessels.
The assistance forms part of the department’s UT Plan scheme for 2026–27, covering the purchase of safety and navigation equipment, including Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, Very High Frequency (VHF) communication equipment and Distress Alert Transmitters (DAT).
Under the subsidy structure, general-category fishermen, unemployed youth, local entrepreneurs and fisheries cooperative societies can receive assistance covering 50% of the unit cost.
Scheduled Tribe fishermen and tribal cooperative societies are eligible for a higher subsidy of 75% of the unit cost.
The scheme covers applicants operating non-motorised, motorised and mechanised fishing boats, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
According to the department, applicants must be bona fide fishermen or members of tribal communities residing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They must possess a registered fishing craft and hold a valid fishing licence for two consecutive years, including the current year.
The financial assistance applies to eligible purchases of life-saving and firefighting appliances as well as specified navigational and communication equipment.
Applicants can obtain the prescribed forms and detailed guidelines from the Directorate of Fisheries, Zonal Fisheries Offices and their nearest Fisheries Sub-Stations.
The department has also made the application documents available through the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s official website, www.andamannicobar.gov.in.
Applicants must submit their completed forms to the nearest Fisheries Zonal Office or Fisheries Sub-Station before the deadline.
The scheme provides different levels of financial assistance according to applicant category while requiring all beneficiaries to meet the specified vessel registration and fishing licence conditions.
