In many countries around the world, water transport provides affordable country boat services to otherwise isolate locations/ communities, and also links them to centers of work, education, healthcare, trade/ commerce, etc. It acts as a lifeline for the communities that are not linked by other modes of transport such as road and rail. The use of country boats provides a flexibility and independence to such communities and livelihood to the operators/ owners of country boats. Assam, being a riverine State, is not an exception. For a considerable size of population, the semi-mechanized boats meet their daily mobility needs. These semi-mechanized boats are mainly operated by private individuals or associations, as criss-cross ferry services. These boats do not follow any safety standards and are, sometimes, manned by untrained personnel, posing safety concerns to the passengers and as well as to other boats. The Government of Assam has contemplated a plan for improvement in safety standards and operating conditions of the country boat ferry services in Assam by launching a voluntary incentive scheme (here after referred as “the Scheme”) named ‘JIBONDINGA’ , aimed towards regularization and safe operations of country boats in Assam.

The proposed incentivisation scheme (Jibondinga) is for the present country boat owners registered with DIWTA or for that matter for any person willing to take up country boat operations (herein after referred to as country boat operators/ owners) as per the standard boat design fitted with marine engine, reversible gear box, and other necessary equipment (herein after referred as mechanised country boats). The country boat operators/owners opting for the Scheme will be provided incentive only one time. In other words, no beneficiary will be given the incentives more than once. 

The country boat building facilities shall be adequately upgraded/ provided to cater to building of the boats as well as their maintenance. The boat builders shall be trained in boat building as per the standards and design to be set by DIWTA.

Through the Jibondinga scheme, around 850 traditional boats have been retrofitted with marine engines, benefiting low-income families who depend on these boats for livelihood. The switch from non-marine to modern marine propulsion has drastically improved operational safety, efficiency, and income prospects for boat operators. The boat operators are also being trained in the operation and maintenance of marine engines, thereby enhancing their skills. This is not just an upgrade; it is empowerment that uplifts entire communities. All the beneficiaries were also provided with lifebuoy and life jackets to ensure passenger safety.