Matsyajeebi Bandhu (Death Benefit) Scheme

Why it matters

Pays Rs 2 lakh to the family of a registered fish farmer or fisherman in West Bengal who dies, giving fish-farming households the same kind of social-security safety net Krishak Bandhu gives crop farmers.

What you get

Announced in the West Bengal 2023 Annual Financial Statement and in force from 1 April 2023, the Matsyajeebi Bandhu (Death Benefit) Scheme provides one-time financial assistance of Rs 2,00,000 to the dependent family members of a registered fisherman/fish farmer aged 18-60 years who dies. Eligible occupations span the full aquaculture value chain — fish farming, boat making, fish catching, crab catching and fattening, fish-farm work and fish vending — recognising that fisheries-dependent households face occupational risks not covered by crop-farmer schemes like Krishak Bandhu. Registration with the Department's fishermen registration portal is mandatory before a death claim can be filed.

Eligibility criteria

• Registered fisherman/fish farmer aged 18-60 years at the time of death
• Engaged in fish farming, boat making, fish catching, crab catching/fattening, fish-farm work, or fish vending
• Registered with the Department of Fisheries' fishermen registration portal

How to apply

1. 1

   Register as a fisherman/fish farmer on the Department of Fisheries registration portal in advance

2. 2

   On the registered person's death, the nominee/family files a claim with the Department of Fisheries

3. 3

   Verification of registration and cause/circumstances of death

4. 4

   Rs 2 lakh death benefit credited to the nominee's bank account

Documents required

• Aadhaar card
• Fisherman registration certificate
• Death certificate
• Nominee bank account details