By SK Jabedul Haque | Published on CurrentAffair.Today | Govt Schemes
What is Samudra Sathi Scheme?
The Samudra Sathi Scheme is a welfare initiative of the West Bengal Government launched in February 2024 to provide ₹10,000 financial assistance to registered marine fishermen during the annual 61-day fishing ban period. The scheme was introduced in the 2024–25 state budget with an initial allocation of ₹200 crore.
Key Benefits at a Glance:
- ✅ ₹5,000 per month for 2 months (Total ₹10,000)
- ✅ Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank account
- ✅ Covers the fishing ban period: April 15 to June 14
- ✅ No contribution required from fishermen (unlike PMMSY)
- ✅ Target: 2 lakh fishermen across 3 coastal districts
Related: Other West Bengal welfare schemes — Banglar Yuva Sathi Yojana (₹1,500/month for unemployed youth) and Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme (₹1,500–₹1,700/month for women).
Implementation Status 2026
| Year | Status | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Not disbursed — funds not approved despite 56,000 applications | ~56,000 |
| 2025 | Under scrutiny — verifying genuine beneficiaries | Ongoing |
| 2026 | Expected — applications open Feb 15 – Apr 14 | Upcoming |
Important note: A January 2025 RTI response confirmed that financial allocation was not approved for 2024–25, which is why payments were not made. The Fisheries Department has stated they are moving in a new direction and verifying applications to identify genuine marine fishermen before disbursement.
Ground reality: Many fishermen have been compelled to migrate to Kerala and Tamil Nadu for work, or risk violating the fishing ban, due to the lack of timely financial support during the ban period.
Fishing Ban Period
| Coast | Ban Period | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast (West Bengal) | April 15 – June 14 | 61 days |
| West Coast | June 1 - July 31 | 61 days |
The ban is imposed annually to protect marine ecosystems and allow fish populations to regenerate during the breeding season. It directly impacts the livelihood of over 2 lakh marine fishermen in West Bengal.
Eligibility Criteria
Primary Requirements
- ✅ Permanent resident of West Bengal
- ✅ Registered marine fisherman with a valid Fisherman ID Card
- ✅ Age above 21 years
- ✅ Resident of one of the eligible coastal districts: Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas (Howrah district fishermen also eligible)
- ✅ Only one fisherman per family can apply
Not Eligible
- ❌ Inland fishermen (pond or river fishing)
- Non-registered fishermen
- ❌ Fishermen from non-coastal districts
Documents Required
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Fisherman Registration Card | Proof of registered marine fisherman status |
| Domicile Certificate | Proof of permanent West Bengal residence |
| Bank Passbook | Aadhaar-linked account for DBT payment |
| Passport-size Photograph | Recent color photo |
| Mobile Number | SMS status updates |
How to Apply
Application window: February 15 to April 14 every year.
Method 1: Online Application
- Visit wbfisheries.wb.gov.in
- Find the "Samudra Sathi Scheme – Apply Here" link on the homepage
- Fill in your personal details, address, and fisherman registration number
- Upload scanned copies of Aadhaar, photograph, bank details, and fisherman card
- Submit and save the confirmation screenshot for reference
Method 2: Offline Application
- Visit your nearest Block Development Office (BDO) or Fisheries Department Office
- Collect Form-1 (free of charge)
- Fill out the form and attach self-attested copies of all required documents
- Submit to the Fishery Extension Officer (FEO) at the block level
- Collect your acknowledgement receipt with reference number
Processing Timeline
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Field enquiry by Fishery Extension Officer | 10 working days |
| Report to ADF (Marine) | Immediate after enquiry |
| Approval by Sub-Divisional Officer | 30 working days |
| Sanction order and DBT transfer | After approval |
| Sanctioned list published on website | Post sanction |
Renewal: Returning applicants use Form-2. No field enquiry is required for renewal — only 5% random checking may be conducted.
District Office Contacts
| District | Controlling Office |
|---|---|
| North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah | ADF (Marine), Diamond Harbour |
| Purba Medinipur | ADF (Marine), Contai |
Samudra Sathi vs Other States' Fishing Ban Support
| State | Financial Support During Ban |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹20,000 for 2 months |
| Odisha | ₹15,000 (turtle nesting season) |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹8,000 per family |
| Kerala | ₹1,500/month savings-cum-relief |
| West Bengal (Samudra Sathi) | ₹10,000 for 2 months (₹5,000/month) — zero contribution required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can inland fishermen apply?
No. This scheme is only for registered marine fishermen — those who fish in the sea. Pond and river fishermen are not eligible.
Q2: What is the last date to apply for 2026?
Applications are accepted from February 15 to April 14, 2026.
Q3: How will the money be paid?
Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Q4: Can a father and son both apply from the same family?
No. Only one fisherman per family is eligible. The applicant, parents, spouse, and dependent children are treated as a single household.
Q5: I applied in 2024 but received nothing. What should I do?
The government is still reviewing 2024 applications. Contact your district Fisheries Department office for a status update. A decision on arrears payment is pending.
Q6: Can I apply on mobile?
Yes, the official portal wbfisheries.wb.gov.in is mobile-friendly.
Department Contact
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Department of Fisheries, West Bengal | 033-2357 0077 |
| [email protected] | |
| Address | Benfish Tower (7th & 8th Floor), 31-GN Block, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata |
| Website | wbfisheries.wb.gov.in |
Related West Bengal Schemes
- Banglar Yuva Sathi Yojana — ₹1,500/month for unemployed youth aged 21–40
- Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme — ₹1,500–₹1,700/month for eligible women
- Karmashree / Mahatmashree Scheme — 50–100 days guaranteed employment
Financial Planning Tools
- SIP Calculator — Invest your ₹10,000 assistance to grow savings
- FD Calculator — Calculate returns on fixed deposits
- Personal Finance — Money management tips for fishing families