The Department of Fisheries of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has invited applications from eligible fishermen for availing financial assistance under the ‘Motorization of Traditional Fishing Craft’ component of the Central Sector Scheme ‘Blue Revolution’ for the year 2026-27. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the traditional fishing sector by facilitating access to marine engines, fishing gear and propellers through a structured subsidy framework.
Under the scheme, financial assistance will be provided for the procurement of inboard or outboard marine engines along with associated fishing gear and propellers. For beneficiaries under the general category, the subsidy has been fixed at 40 per cent of the unit cost, subject to a maximum ceiling of ₹48,000. This calculation is based on a standard unit cost of ₹1.20 lakh for the equipment package. For beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women fishermen and their cooperative societies, the subsidy component has been enhanced to 60 per cent of the unit cost, subject to a ceiling of ₹72,000 for the same unit cost.
The department has outlined clear eligibility conditions for applicants. Fishermen applying under the scheme must be bonafide residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and must possess a registered non-motorised or motorised fishing craft. They are required to hold a valid fishing licence continuously for a minimum period of two years, including the current year. These conditions have been specified to ensure that assistance reaches active fishermen engaged in regular fishing activities.
In terms of technical specifications, the scheme allows the purchase of marine engines with a maximum capacity of 30 horsepower. However, the eligible subsidy component is restricted to engines up to 10 horsepower. This provision is intended to support small and traditional fishing operations while discouraging over-mechanisation that could affect sustainable fishing practices in the island ecosystem.
The scheme also permits replacement of engines for fishermen who already operate motorised fishing crafts. Those seeking replacement must ensure that the existing engine is more than five years old and has become unserviceable. In such cases, applicants are required to submit a certification from an authorised marine engineer confirming that the engine is beyond economical repair. This clause is aimed at preventing premature replacement and ensuring prudent utilisation of public funds.
The department has also specified the types and sizes of fishing gear that are eligible under the subsidy. These include gill nets with a mesh size not below 25 millimetres measured diagonally from knot to knot, hook and line equipment, shore seine or drag nets with mesh size not below 25 millimetres, and fish traps. The inclusion of mesh size specifications reflects an emphasis on sustainable fishing practices and protection of juvenile fish stocks.
Applicants must also meet the condition that they have not availed assistance for the purchase of engines, fishing gear or propellers from the Department of Fisheries or any other government department during the preceding five years. This restriction has been introduced to ensure equitable distribution of benefits among fishermen and to avoid repeated assistance to the same beneficiaries within a short period.
Application forms along with detailed terms and conditions of the scheme can be obtained from the Directorate of Fisheries, Fisheries Zonal Offices, Fisheries Sub-Stations, Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis across the islands. Completed applications are required to be submitted to the nearest Fisheries Zonal Office or Sub-Station on or before February 20.
The department has indicated that the scheme is part of ongoing efforts to modernise traditional fishing practices while enhancing safety, efficiency and livelihood security for fishermen in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
