Sri Vijaya Puram, June 8: The Department of Fisheries of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has invited applications from eligible fishermen across the islands for financial assistance under its programme for the supply of essential fishery requisites during the financial year 2026-27.
The initiative is being implemented under the UT Plan Scheme and is aimed at supporting bona fide fishermen by reducing the cost of procuring essential fishing inputs required for their day-to-day fishing operations. Officials said the programme forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen livelihoods in the fisheries sector, which remains a major source of income for many coastal communities across the islands.
Under the scheme, different subsidy patterns have been prescribed for non-tribal and tribal beneficiaries. For fishermen belonging to the non-tribal category, the subsidy has been fixed at 50 per cent of the unit cost, subject to a ceiling of Rs 1,500 for each non-motorized fishing boat and Rs 3,000 for each motorized fishing boat.
For beneficiaries belonging to tribal communities, the subsidy rate has been enhanced to 75 per cent of the unit cost. The maximum assistance available under this category is Rs 2,200 per non-motorized fishing boat and Rs 4,300 per motorized fishing boat.
Officials stated that the differentiated subsidy structure has been designed to provide additional support to tribal fishing communities while ensuring wider access to essential fishing inputs among all eligible fishermen.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must be bona fide fishermen or members of recognized tribal communities residing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They must possess a registered motorized or non-motorized fishing craft and hold a valid fishing licence for two consecutive years, including the current year.
The department has invited applications from fishermen residing in both municipal and tribal areas who are interested in procuring essential fishery requisites under the scheme during the current financial year.
Fisheries officials noted that access to quality fishing inputs plays a crucial role in improving productivity and operational efficiency. Subsidized assistance can help fishermen reduce expenditure on routine equipment and maintenance requirements, thereby supporting their livelihoods and enhancing sustainability within the sector.
Application forms and detailed guidelines relating to eligibility, documentation and terms and conditions of the programme are available through the Directorate of Fisheries, Zonal Fisheries Offices located in North and Middle Andaman, South Andaman and Nicobar districts, as well as nearby Fisheries Sub-Stations.
Interested applicants have been advised to submit completed forms to their nearest Fisheries Zonal Office or Fisheries Sub-Station on or before June 30, 2026. Officials emphasized that applications should be submitted within the prescribed period and accompanied by all necessary supporting documents to facilitate timely processing.
The department has also made the prescribed application form available online through its official website, enabling fishermen from remote areas to access the scheme more conveniently.
The fisheries sector continues to be one of the most important economic activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, supporting thousands of families directly and indirectly. Government assistance programmes such as input subsidies are intended to strengthen the sector by lowering operational costs and encouraging sustained fishing activity.
Officials said the administration remains committed to improving the welfare of fishermen through targeted interventions, infrastructure development and financial support schemes. They encouraged eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of the programme and submit their applications before the deadline.
With fishing communities facing increasing operational expenses and weather-related challenges, such assistance is expected to provide valuable support to many small-scale fishermen across the islands.
