October 30, 2026

Section 96 – Inland Vessels Act, 2021

Section 96 – Constitution of welfare fund

(1) Every State Government shall, by notification, constitute a welfare fund at district level, for allocation of such fund to assist the non-mechanically propelled inland vessels enrolled under this Chapter.

(2) Any officer appointed or authorised under this Chapter to be in-charge of the fund for the non-mechanically propelled inland vessel shall, with the previous approval in writing of the respective State Government or such other authority appointed for the said purpose, utilise the fund to—

  • (a) create awareness and conduct knowledge dissemination sessions for educating the owner, operator and service user on improvements required for safe navigation;
  • (b) provide equipment and devices of safety and navigation at a subsidised rate;
  • (c) provide support or relief during casualties, accidents or such emergencies; and
  • (d) for such other purposes as it may deem fit.