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 in land 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 own er,
operator and service user on improvements required for safe navigation;
37 (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.