(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.
