West Bengal Samudra Sathi Scheme 2024: Apply Online Now, Check Eligibility

West Bengal Samudra Sathi Scheme:- There are many welfare schemes started by the West Bengal government for the betterment of the citizens of the state. This time the government has come up with a new scheme for the fishermans of West Bengal. During the West Bengal budget 2024 presentation, the finance minister announced a welfare scheme called the Samudra Sathi Scheme. Under this scheme, registered fishermen will receive an amount of rupees 5000 per month for 2 months during the fishing ban period i.e. a total amount of rupees 10000 will be provided for 2 months as financial assistance by the government. Further information like eligibility criteria, objectives, required documents to apply, and application process related to the scheme have been covered in this article. Kindly go, through it.

The Existing Bhabisyat Credit Card Scheme (BCCS)

Kolkata: In a major boost to social protection and traditional employment, state Finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharjee announced a slew of benefits in the state Budget that included a new scheme for fishermen, a new apprentice scheme for the youths, a financial benefit scheme for artisans and also strengthening of the existing Bhabisyat Credit Card Scheme (BCCS). “Our fishermen of the coastal districts namely East Midnapore, North and South 24-Parganas have to go deep in the turbulent sea to earn their livelihood. The fishing ban for two months from mid-April to mid-June, the livelihood of the fishermen is adversely affected. So, to provide livelihood support during the fishing ban period, I am happy to announce a new scheme ‘Samudra Sathi’.

Bengal government’s budget announces fishermen cash aid

The Bengal government’s budget on Thursday announced aid of Rs 5,000 per month for fishermen during the period of fishing ban in the sea, apparently to woo the community that forms a major vote bank in three coastal districts.

A source said the state allotted Rs 200 crore for this new scheme, Samudra Sathi, a long-standing demand of fishermen as their earnings take a beating during the fishing ban from mid-April to mid-June.

The state has two lakh registered fishermen across East Midnapore, North and South 24-Parganas. All will get the scheme’s benefits.

“Our fishermen of the coastal districts… go deep into the turbulent sea to earn their livelihood. As there is a ban on fishing for two months from mid-April to mid-June, the livelihood of the fishermen is adversely impacted…. 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 fisherman of the three districts,” said finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya during her budget speech.

WB Samudra Sathi Scheme Details in Highlights

Benefits And Features of West Bengal Samudra Sathi Scheme

Some of the features and benefits of the scheme are listed below.

• The scheme was announced by Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya on 8 February 2024 during the West Bengal 2024 budget presentation.
• An amount of rupees 5000 per month will be provided as financial assistance for 2 months under this scheme i.e. Rupees 10000 will be provided.
• This amount will be provided during the fishing Ban season from mid-April to mid-June.
• Registered fishermen from only these three districts East Midnapore, North and South 24-Parganas will get the benefits.
• A budget of rupees 200 crores has been allocated for the implementation of the scheme.
• An estimated number of 2 lakh fishermen will get the benefit.

Eligibility Criteria for Samudra Sathi Scheme

Before applying for the scheme, the applicant must check the eligibility criteria which is listed here.

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
• They must be registered fishermen.
• Fishermen only from East Midnapore, North, and South 24-Parganas are eligible to apply.

Documents Required to Apply

• Aadhar card
• Passport size photograph
• Mobile number
• Bank account
• Domicile certificate
• Fisherman registration proof

A Trinamul source said this was a political masterstroke by chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Many fishermen stay in East Midnapore, the home turf of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.

The West Bengal Government has recently announced a 4% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees. This raise brings the previous DA rate of 10% up to 14%, providing a financial boost to the government workforce. The new DA rate will be effective from May 2024. This announcement was made during West Bengal’s state budget session.

Enhancements to the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme

In addition to the DA increase, the state budget also revealed enhancements to the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme. Under this scheme, general category households will now receive ₹1,000, while SC/ST households will receive ₹1,200. SC/ST women will be entitled to ₹1,200, and others will receive ₹1,000. These changes will be effective from April 2024.

Introduction of the Samudra Sathi Scheme

The government also introduced the Samudra Sathi scheme, which allocates ₹5,000 for two months (April-June) to fishermen in Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas. This scheme aims to provide financial support to the fishing community in these areas.

Schemes to Support Artisans and Weavers

The West Bengal Government unveiled new schemes to support artisans and weavers. The New Artisans & Weavers (death benefit) scheme will provide a one-time grant of ₹2 lakh to the kin of registered artisans and weavers aged 18-60 in the event of untimely demise. Another scheme aims to provide one-time settlement, working capital assistance, or subsidized yarn to handloom and khadi weavers.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Address and Invitation

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the opposition in the Assembly, urging them not to disrupt proceedings. She criticized their behavior, stating that the Assembly is not the BJP’s party office. Banerjee highlighted the contrast between her government’s approach and the suspension of numerous opposition members in the parliament.

Following the Budget Session, the Chief Minister extended an invitation to the opposition for a discussion on the presented budget. She condemned what she described as “dirty politics” and accused the opposition of being anti-Bangla and working against the interests of the state.

The objective of the Samudra Sathi Scheme

The scheme was started to assist during the mid-April and mid-June period in which the fishing ban doesn’t let the citizens earn their daily bread. An amount of rupees 5000 per month will help them in buying food and other necessities. Families can live their lives easily without any fear of money or food.

Districts eligible under the Samudra Sathi Scheme

Registered fishermen living in these three coastal districts are eligible to apply under this scheme.

• East Midnapore, North, and South 24-Parganas

West Bengal government presents Rs 3.6 lakh crore budget

• The West Bengal government presented an adequate budget of Rs 3.66 lakh crore for the financial year 2024-25.
• Notable concerns include the state’s dues of around Rs 1.18 lakh crore from the central government.
• The monthly financial assistance under the ‘Laxmi Bhandar’ scheme has been increased to Rs 1,200 exclusively for SC and ST communities.
• Introduction of a progressive apprentice scheme with a monthly stipend ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500.
• Launch of “Samudra Sathi” scheme aimed at supporting the fishermen community.
• The scheme provides financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to registered fishermen, which contributes to their economic well-being.

West Bengal Samudra Sathi Scheme Application Process

The applicant must follow the application process given here to apply for the scheme.

• Firstly, open the official website of the scheme.
• The homepage of the website will open on the screen.
• Now on the homepage, you have to click on the apply here option.
• A new page with an application form will open on the screen.
• Enter your details like name, address, date of birth, etc in the application form.
• Upload the relevant documents.
• Check the provided details carefully.
• Now click on the submit option.
• In this way, you can easily apply for the scheme.

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