WB Samudra Sathi Scheme 2024-25 Apply Online, Eligibility, Documents

West Bengal government has launched WB Samudra Sathi Scheme 2024 to provide crucial support to fishermen during the annual fishing ban period. Under this scheme, the state govt. will provide Rs. 5000 per month for 2 months duration to fishermen. This scheme has been designed to reduce financial strain faced by the fishermen and their families. 

Read this article till the end to know Samudra Sathi Prakalpa scheme complete details.  

Samudra Sathi Scheme in WB Budget 2024-25

On 8th February 2024, Finance Minister presented West Bengal Budget 2024-25. While presenting the budget FM said "Our fishermen of the coastal districts viz. Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas go deep in the turbulent sea to earn their livelihood. As there is ban in fishing for two months during mid April to mid-June, the livelihood of the fishermen is adversely impacted. In order to provide livelihood support to the fishermen during the fishing ban period of two months, I am happy to announce a new scheme - Samudra Sathi to extend financial assistance of Rs. 5,000 per month for two months, to each registered fishermen of these three districts. This scheme will benefit nearly 2 lakh fishermen. I propose to allocate Rs. 200 crore for this purpose".

WB Samudra Sathi Scheme Objective

The fishers eke out their livelihood through fishing in Marine/ Fresh water bodies. Unlike terrestrial activities, the fishing activity in coastal waters and inland water bodies cannot be carried out for the entire year. Generally for 2 months i.e mid April to mid June, fishing activities are banned. During this period, fishermen faces difficulty in earning even for their basic neccessities. 

To ensure fishermen meet their basic livelihood requirements, West Bengal govt. has launched Samudra Sathi scheme. Through this scheme, the state govt. will provide financial assistance to fishermen for the period of 2 months when they cannot do fishing in the coastal waters, inland water bodies or seas.. 

Overview of Samudra Sathi Yojana

Name of Scheme	Samudra Sathi Prakalpa Scheme
State	West Bengal
Date of Announcement	8 February 2024
Who Announced It	Smt. Chandrima Bhattacharya while presenting WB Budget 2024-25
Major Beneficiaries	Fishermen
Financial assistance	Rs. 5000 per month (for 2 months in a year during fishing ban period)
Number of Beneficiaries	2 lakh
Budgetary Allocation	Rs. 200 crore

Samudra Sathi Prakalpa Yojana Benefits and Features

• Under Samudra Sathi scheme, each fishermen is entitled to get financial assistance of Rs. 5000 per month.
• The assistance amount would be given only for 2 months in a single year.
• The two months would be those in which fishing is banned i.e Mid April to Mid June.
• The total amount which a fishermen would receive in a year would be Rs. 10,000.
• Around 2 lakh fishermen would be benefited in the first phase of Samudra Sathi Prakalpa Scheme.
• The state govt. has allocated Rs. 200 crore for successful implementation of the scheme in the FY 2024-25.
• Fishermen of the coastal districts viz. Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas would be benefited the most.

Samudra Sathi Prakalpa Scheme Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a permanent resident of the West Bengal state.
• Applicant must be a registered fisherman.
• He / she must belong to coastal districts like Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas. 
• Applicant must not be carrying out any fishing activity during the fishing ban period.

List of Documents Required for WB Samudra Sathi Scheme

• Aadhar Card
• Address Proof
• Fisherman ID
• Recent Passport Size Photograph
• Active Mobile Number
• Bank Account Details

How to Apply Online for WB Samudra Sathi Prakalpa Scheme

• First of all, visit the official website of Samudra Sathi Scheme.
• On the homepage, click at "Apply" link.
• Upon clicking the link, the Samudra Sathi scheme online registration form will open.
• Fill in the asked details accurately and upload necessary documents as mentioned above.
• Review your filled in information in the Samudra Sathi Prakalpa application form.
• Finally, click on the "Submit" button to send your application to the concerned authorities for approval.

Once approval is done, fishermen will start getting monthly financial assistance under Samudra Sathi Scheme directly into their bank accounts through DBT mode.

West Bengal Budget Speech 2024-25 - https://finance.wb.gov.in/writereaddata/Budget_Speech/2024_English.pdf