CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEME ON DEVELOPMENT OF MARINES FISHERIES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND POST HARVEST OPERATIONS

Introduction

The Central Government continued to extend financial assistance to fishers through the State/ UT Governments for motorization of traditional fishermen, rebate on HSD oil, construction of fishing harbours and fish landing centers, setting up of inland fish marketing centres etc. till the terminal year of the 9th Plan to enhance production of marine fisheries and strengthen infrastructure to provide fish in prime condition to the consumers and fish processing industry. During the 10th Plan, a comprehensive scheme specially to exploit the deep-sea fishery resources comprising of some new components as well as continuation of existing schemes as components of the modified scheme has been formulated and introduced in the 10th Plan. Total financial implication of the scheme for the entire 10th Plan period was worked out to Rs 450.15 crore comprising of Central share of Rs 280.00 crore, State share Rs 79.15 crore and beneficiary share of Rs 91.00 crore. The component wise details are given at ANNEXURE- I


The Centrally Sponsored Scheme on “Development of Marines Fisheries, Infrastructure and Post Harvest Operations” operated in Macro Management Mode as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme during the 10th Plan has the following components / sub- components:

(i) Development of Marine Fisheries with following sub-components:

(a) Introduction of Intermediate Craft of improved design
(b) Resource specific Deep Sea Fishing Vessels (including VMS)
(c) Motorisation of Traditional Craft
(d) Safety of Fishermen at Sea
(e) Fishermen Development Rebate on HSD

(ii) Development of Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Operations

(a) Establishment of Fishing Harbours and Fish Landing Centres

(b) Strengthening of Post Harvest Infrastructure

(iii) Maintenance of Dredger TSD Sindhuraj

The Component-wise details of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Development of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure and Post Harvest Operations are discussed below:


1.0 DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL FISHERIES 

1.1 INTERMEDIATE CRAFT OF IMPROVED DESIGN

1.1.1 Objectives

This component on multi-day intermediate class of resource specific fishing vessels in the length range of about 18 meters is to be implemented with a unit cost of Rs.40.00 lakhs on which a back ended subsidy equivalent to10% of the cost restricted to Rs.4.00 lakhs would be provided. The total outlay for this component is Rs.25 crore, of which the beneficiary share is Rs.22 crore.

1.1.2 Pattern of Implementation

(i) The scheme would be implemented through National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
(ii) Only cooperatives/group of beneficiaries would be eligible for the assistance.

1.1.3 Funding Pattern

(a) Subsidy will be 10% of the cost of the vessel subject to maximum Rs.4 lakhs
(b) Subsidy will be back ended.
(c) Implementation through States/ NCDC.

1.2 MOTORIZATION OF TRADITIONAL CRAFT

1.2.1 Objectives

To motorize 10,000 traditional craft with a subsidy of Rs.20, 000 per unit to be shared equally between the Centre and State. The scheme is to be implemented through States/National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).

1.2.2 Pattern of implementation

(a) Subsidy will be shared equally between the Centre and beneficiary States. In the case of UT’s, the entire subsidy will be borne by the Centre. The component is proposed to be implemented through the States/National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
(b) Subsidy will be available to only existing units and those constructed in replacement of existing ones.


1.2.3 Funding Pattern

(a) Total subsidy would be Rs.20,000 per unit of Out Board Motor (OBM) of 8-10 HP.
(b) Subsidy will be equally shared between Centre and State on 50:50 basis.
(c) Implementation would be through State/NCDC.

1.3 FISHERMEN DEVELOPMENT REBATE ON HSD OIL

1.3.1 Objectives

To implement Fishermen Development Rebate on HSD with a total outlay of Rs.125.00 crores of which the Central share would be Rs.100.00 crores and the balance would be State share. The component would be implemented through the beneficiary States/UTs.

1.3.2 Pattern of implementation

The rebate would be shared on 80:20 basis between the centre and states where sales tax is levied. 100% cost would be borne by centre in the case of UTs and states where the HSD is fully exempted from sales tax. 

1.3.3 Funding Pattern

(a) A subsidy of Rs.1.50 per litre of HSD oil used by mechanised fishing vessels below 20m length shared between Centre & State on 80:20 basis as per pattern of assistance of 9th Plan.
(b) For UTs and those States where sales tax has been exempted, subsidy will be fully borne by Centre.
(c) Same pattern as done in 9th Plan.





1.3.4 Mode of Disbursement

(i) The rebate will be reimbursed through the State/UT.
(ii) Fishing vessels violating fishing bans and MFRA provisions would be excluded from the scheme.
(iii) New boats added to the fleet after end of Ninth Plan will not be eligible for the subsidy.
(iv) The fishing boats should be registered with the concerned Government agency.
(v) The diesel outlets should be approved by the concerned State Government/ Fisheries department.
(vi) Each beneficiary/group of fishermen in a locality should open a bank account with a nationalized bank.
(vii) Rebate should be for mechanised fishing vessels below 20m OAL only.
(viii) The beneficiary may have to purchase fully sales tax paid diesel for his boat and the original bills for the said purchase are to be presented to the concerned fisheries office.
(ix) After verification of said bills the authorised officer in the fisheries department should issue a reimbursement order for payment and forward it to the concerned treasury office. A Cheque equal to the eligible subsidy amount paid by a beneficiary/group is issued for the said bills by treasury office is to be forwarded to the concerned nationalized bank where the beneficiary/group has opened an account.
(x) The eligible subsidy amount for which a beneficiary is entitled is directly reimbursed in his bank account instead of giving it in cash.
(xi) Certain officer of the fisheries department should be authorised to check the HSD supply in eligible quantity to fishing boats to prevent misuse.
(xii) Proper maintenance of all records and registers should be done by the beneficiary.
(xiii) The State/UT should also maintain proper records, registers, etc. and cross check periodically that the amount due to the beneficiary has actually been disbursed.
(xiv) The State/UT should review the HSD subsidy reimbursed to the beneficiary in every quarter with adequate checks and balances to ensure proper implementation.
(xv) The scheme should be given wide publicity by the State/UT Government so that all fishermen who are eligible could avail the benefit.
(xvi) No subsidy should be released during fishing ban periods.


1.4 SAFETY OF FISHERMEN AT SEA

1.4.1 Objectives

This component envisages installing one Global Positioning System (GPS) and a wireless set on the small-mechanized fishing vessels of below 20m length. The unit cost of these equipments together works out to about Rs.1.50 lakhs, 20% of which but not exceeding Rs.30,000 would be provided as back-ended subsidy. 

1.4.2 Pattern of implementation

(a) The component would be implemented through the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to benefit 1,666 boats at a central share of Rs.5.00 crores and a total outlay of Rs.25 crores.
(b) Only registered boats would qualify for the assistance.

1.4.3 Funding pattern

(a) 20% cost of GPS & wireless set subject to a maximum of Rs.30,000/- per unit.
(b) Subsidy will be back ended.
(c) Implemented through NCDC.


2.0 DEVELOPMENT OF DEEP SEA FISHING 

2.1 RESOURCE SPECIFIC DEEP SEA FISHING VESSELS

2.1.1 Objectives

The programme envisages converting ten existing trawlers for resource specific fishing for which a back-ended subsidy of Rs.15 lakh per vessel would be provided. The component would be implemented through the Fishery Survey of India by suitably modifying the imported technology through the ICAR Institute of Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT). 

2.1.2 Pattern of implementation

(a) Proposal for conversion of trawlers would be processed through FSI.
(b) Conversion should be carried out by adopting/modifying the imported technology.
(c) Necessary consultation would be available with CIFT.

2.1.3 Funding Pattern

(a) Subsidy will be 50% cost of conversion with a ceiling of Rs.15 lakh per vessel.
(b) Subsidy will be back ended.
(c) Implementation through FSI by suitably modifying the imported technology through CIFT.


2.2 INTRODUCTION OF VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM

2.2.1 Objective

To introduce Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to initially cover 50 deep sea fishing vessels after conducting a scoping study. Coast Guard will be the implementing agency. 

2.2.2 Pattern of implementation

(a) Introduction of VMS would be implemented through Coast Guard.
(b) Cut off date by which each deep sea fishing vessel should fit up VMS would be determined.

2.2.3 Funding Pattern

(a) Cost of introduction of VMS to 50 deep sea fishing vessels would be funded under the scheme.
(b) The cost of hardware, logistics and developmental charges for introduction of VMS would be met by Government of India.
(c) Coast Guard would be supported through equipment and necessary funding for setting up VMS.

DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES

3.1. Establishment of Fishing Harbours and Fish Landing Centres

3.1.1 Objectives 

(a) Providing infrastructure facilities for safe landing, berthing and unloading of fish catches of mechanized fishing vessels, traditional fishing craft and deep sea fishing vessels.

(b) Repair and renovation including improvement of hygienic conditions of the existing facilities created so far under the Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

3.1.2 Pattern of implementation 

(a) Construction of new minor fishing harbours and fish landing centres in association with Coastal State Governments, Port Trusts, Union Territories. 

(b) Construction of new major fishing harbours in association with coastal State Governments, Port Trusts, Union Territories.

(c) Construction of new fishing harbours (major or minor) and fish landing centres in association Fishermen Association/Organization on Build Operate and Own (BOO)/BOOT concepts.

(d) Repair and renovation of the existing fishing harbours and fish landing centres, including expansion/up-gradation, improvement of hygienic conditions. And also restoration/repair of civil structures of existing fishing harbours/fish landing centres that have suffered damage due to natural calamities if any. 

3.1.3 Funding Pattern

The central assistance under this component of the CSS as below:

(i) 50% of project cost to the coastal State Governments and 100% to Union Territories for construction of minor fishing harbours and fish landing centres; 

(ii) 100% assistance to the coastal States, Union Territories & Port Trusts and Fishermen Associations and organization for construction of major fishing harbours; 

(iii) 50% assistance for construction of minor fishing harbours and fish landing centres on Build, Operate & Transfer (BOT) basis; 

(iv) 50% assistance to the coastal State Governments and Port Trusts for repair and renovation/ modernization of existing fishing harbours and fish landing centres and 100% to the Union Territories. 

3.1.4 Method of submission of proposals

(a) The proponents are required to formulate detailed proposals based on necessary engineering and economic investigations. The proposals are also based on detailed hydraulic model studies wherever necessary. 

(b) The proposals must be accompanied by detailed designs, technical drawings, time schedule in the form of Bar Chart/CPM Network together with firm and realistic cost estimates framed based on the latest Schedule of Rates (SOR) of the respective State Government, Union Territory and Port Trusts. 

(c) The proposals must include present fishery scenario in terms of number of fishing boats operated, fishermen population, ancillary facilities available, access to the domestic and international market, if any, other fishery based industries established in the region and number of people depending on fishing and fishery based activities etc.

(d) The proposal must includes the present tariff in terms of fishing boats being operated from the site proposed for construction of the facilities, catches, landed along with its boat side value.

(e) The Technical soundness, integrity of the structures/facilities, structural stability and safety of the proposed structures must be confirmed in the project report. 

3.1.5 Terms and conditions

(a) The techno-economically viable proposal will be considered for Central financial assistance under the Scheme

(b) The project proponents are required to confirm availability of land for development of the proposed fishing harbours/fish landing centres and environmental clearance from the competent authority as required under the rule/notifications.

(c) The project proponents wherever necessary are required to confirm availability of adequate budgetary provisions to contribute their matching share for construction of the proposed fishing harbours/fish landing centres. 

(d) After sanctioning the project for central financial assistance under the CSS, construction and subsequent management, maintenance and operation of such facilities will be the responsibilities of respective proponents in which the facilities are constructed.

(e) No cost escalation is permitted under normal conditions.

3.2 MAINTENANCE OF DREDGER TSD SINDHURAJ

3.2.1 Objectives

(a) Maintenance and upkeep of the departmental dredger TSD Sindhuraj for the purpose of seaward maintenance of fishing harbours and fish landing centres constructed under the CSS.

(b) To assist the Coastal State Governments and Union Territories for maintenance dredging so as provide required navigational depths at fishing harbours and fish landing centres through sharing of maintenance dredging cost. 

3.2.2 Pattern of implementation

The operation and maintenance of the dredger would be carried out through the Department of Ports, Government of Kerala, for which the capital maintenance cost and insurance etc. would be borne by the Centre in full. 

3.2.3 Funding pattern 

(a) Bearing of entire expenses by the Central Government on insurance, dry docking, and repair works to the dredger TSD Sindhuraj.

(b) 50% assistance to the coastal State Governments and Port Trusts for maintenance dredging at the existing fishing harbours and fish landing centre developed with the central assistance under the CSS. 

(c) 100% assistance to the Union Territories for maintenance dredging at the fishing harbours and the fish-landing centre constructed with the central assistance under the CSS.




3.2.4 Submission of the proposal


(a) The proponents are required to formulate detailed proposals based on necessary investigation, hydrographic/topographic surveys to assess the quantum of maintenance dredging in the existing fishing harbours/fish landing centres.

(b) The proposals are based on detailed hydraulic model studies if necessary through reputed organisations/institutions/research centres to assess the firm quantum of maintenance dredging. 

(c) The proposals must be accompanied by detailed note on the existing fishing harbours indicating the various facilities developed and their present status, present fishing boats operated, fishermen population utilizing the facilities, other fishery based industries established in and around the fishing harbours and fish landing centres, mode of collection of user charges and details of revenue being generated by way of collecting user charge, lease rent and any other levies. The note also includes justification for need of the maintenance dredging and its impacts etc. 

(d) The proposal must also be accompanied by technical drawings, hydrographic/topographic chart of the area proposed for maintenance dredging, details of measurement and calculation of dredging quantity and time schedule for completion of the maintenance dredging work with firm and realistic cost estimates framed based on the latest Schedule of Rates (SOR) of the respective State Government, Union Territory and Port Trusts. 

(e) No cost escalation is permitted under normal conditions.

DEVELOPMENT OF POST HARVEST INFRASTRUCTURE 

4.1 Objectives 

(a) Developing fish preservation & storage infrastructure. 
(b) Developing marketing infrastructure such as retail vending kiosks, aqua-shops, insulated/refrigerated vehicles, mini-trucks, auto rickshaws with ice- box, motor-cycles/bicycles with ice-box, fish display cabinets, visi-coolers, weighing scales, computer units and allied equipments.


4.2 Pattern of implementation 

The programme is to be implemented through self help group of fisher-women, NGOs, Cooperatives, Joint Sectors, Government undertaking, corporations for location specific manner. Women’s group and other sub-groups would be given priority.
4.3 Funding pattern
(i) 100% grant (limited to Rs.1.00 crore) to Govt. Undertakings/ Corporations/Federations; 
(ii) 75% grant (limited to Rs.0.75 crore) to NGOs/Cooperatives/Joint Sector/Group of fisher-women in NE Region/Hilly/Tribal areas and 50% grant(limited to Rs 0.50 crore) in general areas
(iii) 50% grant (limited to Rs 0.40 crore) to Assisted Sector/Private Sector in NE Region/Hilly/Tribal areas and 25% grant (limited to Rs.0.25 crore) in general areas.

4.4 Terms and Conditions 

(i) The land, if necessary, should be acquired by the implementing agencies under their own funds.

(ii) The proposals are required to be recommended by the Department of Fisheries of the concerned states/UT except in the case of projects in the private sector where the release of fund would be through the concerned bank or financial Institution providing the term loan to the project.

(iii) The proposals from private sector or other than those governments/UTs are required to be appraised by their respective banks/financial institutions.

(iv) The grant would be released direct to the implementing agencies in Govt. Sector. In case of others, the grant would be released through the banks/financial institution after investor in the project provide their contribution and draw the loan.

(v) The project implementing authority will carry out the construction work in accordance with the project as approved by the Government of India.

(vi) The construction cost should be accommodated within the sanctioned amount. Cost escalation, if any, due to delay in project implementation, whatsoever, will have to be borne by the concerned project implementing authority.

(vii) No deviation from the approved scheme should be made without prior approval of Government of India.

(viii) Necessary staff required for implementation of the scheme and other adequate arrangements for utilization, maintenance and operation of the infrastructure will be provided/made by the project implementing authority at its own cost.

(ix) Preparations of tender documents and closing of tenders for civil works and supply of various components should follow the standard procedure laid-down by the concerned State Authority and they should be strictly followed.

(x) The project-implementing agency will furnish progress report to this Ministry regularly indicating the physical and financial position in respect of various items of work and would furnish Utilization Certificate as soon as the funds are utilized.

(xi) The maintenance and operating cost will be borne by the implementing agency and the Government of India will not be responsible for any loss incurred for operating the facilities.

(xii) The State Government concerned will, under the scheme, ensure that fish producers get remunerative prices and consumer is able to purchase fish at a reasonable price. 

(xiii) During installation of various components of the scheme and thereafter or during operation of the project, the State Government concerned will ensure maintenance of environment standards as safeguard against the pollution as prescribed in this regard.

NOTE - The State Governments, Union Territories, Port Trusts and other concerned implementing agencies have to send their proposals for the various components as outlined above duly completed in all respects. The availability of adequate budgetary provision in the State budget, wherever necessary, should be specifically indicated in the proposals. No request for ex-post facto approval of any proposal would be entertained.