Government Expands Accident Insurance Cover for Fishers Under PMMSY, Over 35 Lakh Enrolled Annually
Enhanced Group Accident Insurance Scheme offers up to ₹5 lakh coverage, strengthening social security for marine and inland fishers across India.Key HighlightsAverage 35.74 lakh fishers enrolled annually under the Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS).Insurance cover
Enhanced Group Accident Insurance Scheme offers up to ₹5 lakh coverage, strengthening social security for marine and inland fishers across India.
Key Highlights
- Average 35.74 lakh fishers enrolled annually under the Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS).
- Insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh for accidental death or permanent total disability.
- Hospitalisation support increased to ₹25,000 under PMMSY.
- Premium shared between Centre and States, with full Central support for Union Territories.
- Benefits significantly enhanced compared to the earlier Blue Revolution Scheme.
Government Strengthens Accident Insurance for Fishers Under PMMSY
New Delhi, July 28: The Government of India has strengthened social security for the country’s fishing community by expanding the Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), providing enhanced financial protection to marine and inland fishers and allied fish workers.
The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, said the scheme is being implemented as part of the ₹20,750 crore PMMSY, launched in 2020-21 to support the overall development of India’s fisheries sector.
Enhanced Insurance Coverage
Under PMMSY, eligible fishers receive accident insurance covering:
- ₹5 lakh for accidental death or permanent total disability.
- ₹2.5 lakh for permanent partial disability.
- ₹25,000 towards hospitalisation expenses following an accident.
The insurance premium is jointly funded by the Centre and States in a 60:40 ratio, while Himalayan and North Eastern states follow a 90:10 sharing pattern. For Union Territories, the Central Government bears the entire premium.
More Than 35 Lakh Fishers Covered Every Year
The Ministry informed Parliament that during 2021-22 to 2025-26, along with the current financial year 2026-27, an average of 35.74 lakh active fishers have been enrolled under GAIS every year, making it one of the country’s largest social protection initiatives for the fisheries sector.
The government has also maintained records of state-wise claims filed, approved, rejected and compensation disbursed since the scheme’s implementation.
Benefits Enhanced Over Blue Revolution Scheme
According to the Ministry, the insurance package has been significantly upgraded compared to the earlier Blue Revolution Scheme, following feedback from state governments and scheme evaluations.
The revised benefits include:
| Benefit | Blue Revolution | PMMSY |
|---|---|---|
| Accidental death/Permanent total disability | ₹2 lakh | ₹5 lakh |
| Permanent partial disability | ₹1 lakh | ₹2.5 lakh |
| Hospitalisation assistance | ₹10,000 | ₹25,000 |
The enhanced coverage aims to provide stronger financial security and reduce risks for fishing families, particularly those dependent on marine and inland fishing for their livelihood.
Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Impact
A financially secure fishing community contributes to a more resilient seafood value chain, which is critical for India’s hospitality sector. Improved social protection helps sustain fishing operations, ensuring a more reliable supply of fresh seafood to hotels, restaurants, resorts and catering businesses.
For coastal tourism destinations, including beach resorts and seafood-focused culinary hubs, stable fisheries operations support local food experiences, seafood festivals and regional gastronomy, enhancing the overall visitor experience. The strengthened insurance cover also reflects the government’s broader efforts to build a sustainable and resilient blue economy that supports both coastal livelihoods and tourism-driven businesses.
