Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has announced financial assistance for fishermen, offering a 70 per cent subsidy on fishing boats and 90 per cent subsidy on cast nets and gill nets to strengthen the fisheries sector and improve livelihood opportunities in the state.
Under the Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme, eligible reservoir fishermen will receive financial assistance for purchasing boats costing up to ₹50,000. The government will bear 70 per cent, or ₹35,000, while the beneficiary will contribute the remaining 30 per cent, or ₹15,000.
The scheme is aimed at modernising the fishing fleet operating in major reservoirs, including Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Chamera, Ranjit Sagar and Kol Dam. The government expects the initiative to improve safety and operational efficiency while enhancing income opportunities for fishermen.
To qualify for the boat subsidy, applicants must be active members of a registered Primary Fisheries Cooperative Society and must have completed at least 50 fishing days during a financial year.
90% Subsidy on Cast and Gill Nets
In another major initiative, the state government has introduced the Subsidised Fishing Gear Scheme, under which riverine and reservoir fishermen will receive fishing nets at a 90 per cent subsidy.
Riverine fishermen will be provided cast nets costing ₹3,000 by paying only ₹300, with the government contributing the remaining ₹2,700. Similarly, reservoir fishermen will receive gill nets costing ₹5,000 by paying just ₹500, while the government will provide a subsidy of ₹4,500.
The scheme is designed to make quality fishing equipment more affordable, encourage sustainable fishing practices and increase fish production in rivers and reservoirs across Himachal Pradesh.
Under the initiative, 4,000 active riverine fishermen will receive cast nets, while 3,000 active reservoir fishermen will be provided gill nets through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
Eligible beneficiaries must hold a valid fishing licence issued by the Fisheries Department for at least three consecutive years.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the government was adopting a focused approach to promote the blue economy in Himachal Pradesh and create new livelihood opportunities for rural youth.
He said the initiatives would help improve the socio-economic condition of the state’s fishing community while also contributing to higher fish production, value addition and income generation.
