To support the fishing community, the state government of Gujarat has announced an increase in the quantum of subsidised diesel provided under the “Diesel VAT Relief Scheme” for mechanised fishing boats. The scheme, which currently offers 100 per cent relief on Value Added Tax (VAT) for mechanised fishing boats under 20 meters in length, seeks to alleviate the operational costs of fishermen.
According to an official statement released on Thursday, the relief is granted through a fixed quota of diesel based on the horsepower of the fishing boat’s engine. Raghavji Patel, the state minister for fisheries, highlighted the adjustments made to the subsidised diesel quotas for different horsepower categories:
1-44 Horsepower Engines:
- Previous Quota: 250 litres per trip
- Revised Quota: 300 litres per trip
45-75 Horsepower Engines:
- Previous Quota: 500 litres per trip
- Revised Quota: Up to 600 litres per trip
75-100 Horsepower Engines and 101 Horsepower or More:
- Previous Quota: 4,000 litres per trip
- Revised Quota: Increased to 4,200 litres per trip
These adjustments aim to provide enhanced support to fishermen, ensuring they receive a more substantial quota of subsidised diesel, which plays a critical role in the operation of mechanised fishing boats. The move is expected to positively impact the fishing community by easing the financial burden associated with fuel costs and contributing to the sustainability of the fishing industry in Gujarat.
