The fisheries sector is crucial in India as fish is the staple food for many people and cultures. As of 2024, around 14 million of the total population of India is engaged in the fisheries sector; this number represents the number of lives connected to the sector and maintaining their livelihoods. But just like a coin has two sides, the fisheries sector faces a range of challenges as well, like informal credit sources, improper protective gear, etc.
To improve the conditions of the fisheries sector, the state government of West Bengal launched the Matsyajeebi Credit Card (MJCC) scheme to provide formal credit sources to fishermen so that they can invest in necessary and needed items like proper tools for fishing.
Overview
The table below summarises some key details about the state govt scheme that one should know.
| Name of the initiative | Matsyajeebi Credit Card Scheme (MJCC) |
|---|
| Launched by | State government of West Bengal |
| Launched in | 2022 |
| Department | Department of Fisheries |
| Objective | To provide formal credit sources to fishermen |
| Target group | Fishermen, fish farmers, SHGs, JLGs, and FFPOs |
| Maximum amount of loan | Up to Rs. 2,00,000 |
| Rate of interest | 7% with a 3% incentive in case of timely repayments |
| Application mode | Online/Offline |
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What Is The Matsyajeebi Credit Card Scheme?
The state government of West Bengal launched the Matsyajeebi Credit Card (MJCC) scheme under the Department of Fisheries in the year 2022. The state govt scheme aims to provide formal credit sources to fishermen and fish farmers so that they can invest in necessary and needed items like proper tools for fishing without any extra financial burden that comes with taking loans from informal sources.
The other major objective of MJCC is to improve the conditions of the fisheries sector in the state of West Bengal so that the sector and the people involved in the sector and flourish.
Features
There are several features of the MJCC scheme. Some of its major features are mentioned below in brief for one’s reference:
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Formal credit sources: The state govt scheme provides formal credit sources to fishermen and fish farmers so that they don’t get stuck in the cycle of debt by taking loans from informal sources at higher rates of interest.
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Loan limit: The MJCC scheme limit is Rs. 2,00,000 that beneficiaries can use to purchase whatever they might need for fishing.
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Rate of Interest: A 7% rate of interest is added on the loans taken under the MJCC scheme, with a 3% incentive in case of timely repayments.
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No collateral: Beneficiaries can avail of loans without depositing any collateral, which makes applying for loans very convenient for the fishermen.
What Are The Benefits Of The Matsyajeebi Credit Card Scheme?
The state govt scheme comes along with several benefits. Some of its benefits are laid out below:
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Credit card: Fishermen registered with the scheme receive a credit card with a limit which they can use to purchase whatever they might require for efficient fishing.
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Flexible terms of repayment: The loan taken under the MJCC scheme has flexible terms of repayment, which makes the loan easier on the shoulders of the fishermen.
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Out of the circle of debt: The state government scheme aims to keep fishermen out of the circle of debt that they can get into if they take out loans from informal sources like middlemen who impose higher rates of interest with rigid repayment terms.
Eligibility Criteria Of The Matsyajeebi Credit Card Scheme
Interested individuals first need to ensure that they fit the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for the MJCC scheme are as follows:
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Applicant must be a resident of the state of West Bengal.
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Only small and marginal fish farmers or fishermen can apply for the scheme.
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Workers who work in dry fish processing, fish vending, or other fisheries-related activities can also apply.
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Self-help groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) formed by people working in the fisheries sector can also engage in the MJCC scheme.
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Fish Producer Groups and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) are also eligible to apply for the MJCC scheme.
Application Process Of The Matsyajeebi Credit Card Scheme
Interested and eligible applicants can apply for the MJCC scheme through both online and offline platforms. Both of them are mentioned below.
Online Procedure
Step 1: Please visit the official website of the West Bengal Fisheries Department.
Step 2: Click on ‘User Login’ and register using your mobile number.
Step 4: After logging in, fill in your details like name, date of birth, address, etc.
Step 5: Upload the supporting documents.
Step 6: Submit the form and wait for approval.
Offline Procedure
Step 1: Please visit the local Block Development Office (BDO) or participate in the ‘Duare Sarkar’ program, wherein officials will help you with the MJCC scheme application.
Step 2: Click on ‘User Login’ and register using your mobile number.
Step 3: Attach all the supporting documents, submit the form, and wait for approval.
If one’s MJCC scheme application is approved, the credit card is delivered within 14 days, after which the beneficiaries can use the credit card.
Required Documents For The Matsyajeebi Credit Card Scheme
Applicants may need to submit some supporting documents to avail of the benefits of the Nirman Yojana, such as:
Conclusion
The Matsyajeebi Credit Card (MJCC) scheme launched by the state government of West Bengal provides formal credit sources to fishermen and fish farmers so that they can invest in the things they require for fishing without falling into the cycle of debt.
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