The scheme is intended to provide off season relief to fishermen (Marine & Inland).An amount of Rs 600 is collected from the beneficiaries in 8/9 installments. The State Government contributes an amount of Rs 600 and The Central Government Rs 600. Thus the Government share is Rs 1200. Both BPL fishermen and APL fishermen are enrolled in the scheme. But, GOI provides central share only for BPL beneficiaries. The Government share for BPL beneficiaries is met the State Government. An amount of Rs 1800 is released to the fishermen in 3 installments during lean season which is April to June in the marine sector and June to August in inland sector. Beneficiaries should have bank account for enrolling in the scheme the relief is cored to beneficiary accounts from the Nodal Bank. The number of beneficiaries in 2012-13 is about 165,000 and the beneficiaries are registered fishermen.

The implementing agency is Department of Fisheries