The Gujarat government amends its VAT relief scheme for mechanised fishing boats, removing a previously imposed 20-metre length restriction. Multiple reports describe the change as expanding eligibility so more fishing operators can benefit from diesel VAT relief under the revised terms.
Under the amended scheme, boat owners must meet specific administrative requirements to claim the benefit. Sources state that vessel owners must register their boats on the Real Craft Portal and hold a valid fishing licence. The reports indicate these conditions are part of the revised process for accessing the diesel VAT relief.
While the adjustment broadens the scope of vessels covered by the relief by doing away with the length cap, the scheme still ties benefits to compliance measures, including online registration and documentation through an active fishing licence. The changes are presented as an update to the state’s VAT relief framework for fishing boats, aiming to make the relief applicable to a wider group of mechanised fishing operations.
