Boat Subsidy Scheme 2026: Get Wooden, FRP & Steel Boats At Huge Discounts

Pragya Pathak

Author

Updated: 29-06-2026 at 12:30 PM

The fisheries sector is one of the most significant sectors, especially for the Union Territory of Puducherry, as it generates employment and supports the coastal communities living there. For the improvement of the sector and the conditions of the fishermen, the Union Territory of Puducherry introduced a scheme called the Subsidy Scheme for Purchasing Wooden/ Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP)/ Steel Mechanised Boats, which is a sub-scheme of a broader government initiative named the Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries.

The focus area of the scheme is to provide subsidies to fishermen so that they can either purchase or upgrade to mechanised boats made of wood, FRP, or steel, as these materials are much more durable and stronger in comparison to others. This scheme is expected to bring a positive impact on the growth and development of the fisheries sector and ease the daily lives of fishermen.

Read the article to learn the complete details of this fisherfolk welfare scheme, covering its meaning, benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme Overview

The table below summarises key details about this fisherfolk welfare scheme that one should know.

Name of the scheme	Subsidy Scheme for Purchasing Wooden/Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP)/ Steel Mechanised Boats.
Name of the umbrella scheme	Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries.
Launched by	Union Territory of Puducherry.
Implemented by	Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare.
Target group	Fishermen of the Union Territory.
Objective	To provide subsidies to fishermen for the purchase of mechanised boats made up of wood, fibre-reinforced plastic, or steel.
Mode of application	Offline by visiting the office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare.

What Is The Subsidy Scheme For Purchasing Wooden/ FRP/ Steel Mechanised Boats?

The Subsidy Scheme for Purchasing Wooden/Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP)/ Steel Mechanised Boats is a government scheme launched by the Union Territory of Puducherry, under the implementation of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare. It is a sub-scheme of a broader government initiative called the Financial Assistance for Availing Subsidy Components for the Development of Marine Fisheries.

The main aim of the scheme is to encourage more fishermen to shift towards using mechanised boats made up of some specific material, such as wood, fibre-reinforced plastic, or steel. This is not just a moral encouragement; through the scheme, authorities also provide subsidies to fishermen so that they can either purchase new boats or upgrade their old ones without facing any financial difficulties. The holistic objective of the scheme is to grow and develop the fisheries sector, not just by quantity but by quality too.

Objectives Of The Wooden Boat Purchase Subsidy Scheme

The FRP boat subsidy scheme comprises various essential objectives that make the whole scheme unique and different from others, such as:

One of the key objectives of the government scheme for fishermen is the upgradation of boats. Registered beneficiaries of the fishing boat subsidy scheme are provided with subsidies so that they can either purchase new advanced boats or upgrade the ones that they already have. This not only helps them in modernising their boats but also reduces the financial burden of the same.
Through the FRP boat subsidy scheme, fishermen are encouraged to purchase mechanised boats made from particular materials like wood, Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP), or steel. These materials are especially promoted as they are durable and much stronger compared to other materials from which boats are made.
The ultimate objective of the wooden boat purchase subsidy scheme is to enhance the capacity of the UT’s fisheries sector through the adoption of advanced technological measures, like mechanised boats. With the help of this scheme, fishermen are also encouraged to adopt new and advanced measures of fishing, like navigation systems, safety devices, etc., making the whole work of fishing much easier than before.

Benefits Of The Mechanised Boat Subsidy Scheme

The primary benefit that gets unlocked with the fishing boat subsidy scheme is the subsidy it provides to its beneficiaries. The breakdown of the subsidy based on boat type is described below in detailed points for one’s reference:

Applicants are provided with 50% subsidy, which can go up to a maximum amount of Rs 7,50,000. This is for a mechanised boat of a length of around 47 feet with nets linked to banks for the purchase of a new fishing vessel.
For a steel mechanised boat of a length of around 45 to 54 ft. with nets, a subsidy of 50%, which can go up to a maximum amount of Rs 11 lakhs, is given.
50% subsidy, which can go up to a maximum amount of Rs 2.5 lakhs, is provided to the beneficiaries for the conversion or modernisation of their currently owned mechanised fishing boats (unit cost Rs 5 lakhs).
Applicants who wish to upgrade their current mechanised fishing boats with a size of 43 feet or more for tuna long lining are provided with 50% subsidy, which can go up to a maximum of Rs 5 lakhs (unit cost Rs 10 lakhs).

Also Read On West Bengal’s Samudra Sathi Yojana Explained

Eligibility Criteria Of The Wooden Boat Purchase Subsidy Scheme

Individuals interested in applying for the steel boat subsidy scheme must first fulfil all eligibility conditions. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

Applicants should be between the ages of 23 and 60 years.
Applicant must be a resident of the Union Territory for a minimum period of 5 years.
Applicants should either come from the fishermen community or should be professional fishermen engaged in fishing or the fish trade.
Applicant should be a registered member of the Fishermen Cooperative Society.

Exclusion Criteria

Certain conditions make a person ineligible for this scheme for fishermen, such as:

If the applicant was ever a recipient of the Old Age Pension.
If the applicant is employed in any government department or in any public fishermen cooperative society.
The applicant has outstanding dues with the fishermen's cooperative society.
Male applicants having less than 5 years of fishing experience using a mechanised boat.
Women applicants who do not possess sufficient fishing trade experience.
Entrepreneurs with inadequate fishing trade experience.

Application Process Of The Subsidy Scheme For Purchasing Wooden/ FRP/ Steel Mechanised Boats

Eligible applicants can apply for the scheme concerning boat purchase subsidy Puducherry through an offline platform. The offline application process is broken down into steps below for one’s better understanding:

Step 1: Please visit the office or sub-office of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare of the Union Territory.

Step 2: Request a staff member to provide you with an application form for the scheme.

Step 3: Fill in the details in the form carefully and accurately.

Step 4: Attach the self-attested copies of the original supporting documents to the application form.

Step 5: Review everything once before making the final submission and submit it all to the concerned officer. Make sure to collect an acknowledgement receipt for future reference.

List Of Documents Required For The Wooden Boat Purchase Subsidy Scheme

The list of documents that applicants are required to attach while filling out the application for the scheme concerning subsidy for mechanised fishing boats in Puducherry is as follows:

Proof of identity, like an Aadhaar card or a Voter ID card.
Birth certificate.
Ration card.
Residence certificate stating that the applicant has been living in the Union Territory for a period of more than 5 years (issued by the Deputy Tehsildar of the area of residence).
Membership certificate or an Enrollment certificate from the President or Administrator of the Fishermen/Fisherwoman Cooperative Society stating that one is a member.
Document proving that the applicant is completely engaged in fishing or in the fish trade.
A declaration stating that one has never been a recipient of the Old Age Pension.
Declaration of not being employed by any government department or a public fishermen cooperative society.
A declaration stating that the applicant has no pending dues with the fishermen cooperative society.
Proof of sea fishing experience (experience should be for a minimum period of 5 years for male applicants).
Proof of sufficient fishing trade experience issued by the Panchayat (needed to be submitted by female applicants).
Loan sanction order from a bank or the National Cooperative Development Corporation.

Conclusion

The Subsidy Scheme for the purchase of Wooden/Fibre Reinforced Plastic/ Steel Mechanised Boats is an important step taken by the Union Territory authorities toward the development of both the fisheries sector and people engaged in the sector as various professionals, like fishermen, fish traders, etc.

By promoting the use of mechanised boats made of wood, FRP, or steel, the scheme aims to enhance the production of the fisheries sector and encourage fishermen to adopt modern technological measures for increased output.

Please visit the official website of Jaagruk Bharat to stay updated on government schemes and services. Also, feel free to reach out to us via our community page!

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