Part 4: What is the process of applying for a fishing license?

The fishing lease for inland water bodies falls under the Jurisdiction of Department of Fisheries or the Grama Panchayat.

Jurisdiction of Department of Fisheries entails

a. All government owned water resources having achcut area more than 40 ha

b. All government owned water resources having achcut area up to 40 ha are in the jurisdiction of local bodies apart from the Grama Panchayats

Jurisdiction of Grama Panchayat entails

c. All water resources having achcut area up to 40 ha

*Achcut area refers to the command area for the fishermen to fish in the water body. 

Water resources are leased for a period of 5 years, first preference is given to Fisheries Cooperative Societies (FCS). Water resources that are not leased to FCS are disposed through tender-cum auction for a period of 5 years. The highest amount mentioned among the tender forms or during auction shall get the lease. To learn more about the leasing process please click here.