Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for assistance to MSMEs: Assistance for Technology Acquisition

Description
The "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for MSMEs" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat. It aims to empower the state& 39;s dynamic MSME sector, which significantly contributes to employment, GDP, and exports. Effective from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027, this initiative supports growth, investments, and the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat." The component "Assistance for Technology Acquisition" supports enterprises in acquiring appropriate technology for their product or process, covering up to 85% of the cost including royalty payments for the first 2 years.

Exclusions
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Definitions
New Enterprise
(Source: https://msmec.gujarat.gov.in/uploads/homepagescroll/GR09082023.pdf)

Existing Enterprise
(Source: https://msmec.gujarat.gov.in/uploads/homepagescroll/GR09082023.pdf)

Gross Fixed Capital Investment (GFCI)
(Source: https://msmec.gujarat.gov.in/uploads/homepagescroll/GR09082023.pdf)

Eligible Fixed Capital Investment (EFCI)
(Source: https://msmec.gujarat.gov.in/uploads/homepagescroll/GR09082023.pdf)

Benefits
• &gt; **Financial Assistance:**
• Covers 65% of the technology acquisition cost.
• Maximum assistance of ₹50,00,000/-, including royalty payments for two years.
• &gt; **Eligibility for Prior Costs:**
• Enterprises opting for this scheme are eligible for assistance on expenses incurred under the previous scheme during the operative period.
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Eligibility Criteria
1. The firm must be a Micro/Small/Medium enterprise.
2. The enterprise must have obtained acknowledgment or registration from the Ministry of MSME or the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), as applicable.
3. New manufacturing enterprises or existing ones undertaking expansion or diversification are eligible.
4. The enterprise must commence commercial production during the scheme&amp;#39;s operative period.

Application Process
Step 1: Step-1: Visit the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) portal. Click on "New Investor Registration" to access the registration form.
Step-2: Fill in the Registration Form. Click on "Submit".
Step-3: Verify the E-mail ID using the link sent on your r…
Online

Step-1: Visit the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) portal. Click on "New Investor Registration" to access the registration form.
Step-2: Fill in the Registration Form. Click on "Submit".
Step-3: Verify the E-mail ID using the link sent on your registered E-mail ID.
Step-4: After verification, you will be registered successfully.
Step-1: Visit the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) portal. Click on "Login".
Step-2: Enter the email address and password you used during registration.
Step-3: Click the "Login" button to access your account.
Step-4: Now fill in the required details and mandatory documents about your business to complete the application process.

Required Documents
• Copy of Udyam/IEM/LOI Registration certificate.
• Constitution of Enterprise (Memorandum of association, partnership deed, etc).
• Power of attorney / Board Resolution of Authorized Signatory/consent letter.
• Copy of signed & stamped MOU/Agreement/Contract regarding technology acquisition.
• Patent certificate of technology (if applicable).
• CA certificate regarding fixed capital investment.
• Copy of bills of expenditure incurred.
• Copy of the highlighted bank statement.
• Copy of self-certified shareholding pattern (if applicable).
• Brief description of technology with notes on benefits, outcome/result after adoption of technology on letterhead.
• Audited report with balance sheet/Annual Audit Report (latest, if applicable).
• Project report/Technical Presentation regarding technology.
• Term loan detail as per bank sanction letter (if applicable).
• PAN card of enterprise, promoters/directors/partners, and authorized signatory.
• GST registration certificate (if applicable).
• Technology provider report.
• GPCB consent (if applicable).
• Proposed cost of project and means of finance for technology to be acquired.
• Supporting documents for SC/ST enterprise.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to MSMEs"?
A: The "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to MSMEs" is a state initiative designed to support and strengthen the MSME sector in Gujarat. It aims to enhance growth, encourage investments, and contribute to the vision of self-reliant Gujarat and India.

Q: When is the scheme operative?
A: The scheme is operative from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027, covering a period of five years.

Q: What are the objectives of the scheme?
A: The scheme aims to boost MSME growth, enhance the industrial ecosystem, encourage investments, and contribute to Gujarat's and India's self-reliance vision.

Q: What are some initiatives included in the scheme?
A: The scheme includes the establishment of new industrial estates, sector-specific parks, and infrastructure projects, along with amendments to the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 to further support MSME growth.

Q: What is the primary objective of the "Assistance for Technology Acquisition" scheme-component?
A: The scheme aims to support enterprises by providing financial assistance for acquiring appropriate technology to enhance their products or processes.

Q: Who is eligible for the "Assistance for Technology Acquisition" scheme?
A: Both new and existing enterprises that acquire technology from recognized institutions are eligible for this scheme.

Q: How much financial assistance does the scheme provide?
A: The scheme offers up to 65% of the technology acquisition cost, subject to a maximum limit of [?]50,00,000/-, including royalty payments for the first 2 years.

Q: Can enterprises receive assistance for purchasing plant and machinery under this scheme?
A: No, the scheme does not provide assistance for purchasing plant, machinery, or equipment. It only covers technology acquisition costs.

Q: Is the scheme open to acquiring patented technologies?
A: Yes, the scheme covers the acquisition of patented technology from both Indian and foreign companies.

Q: What is the deadline for obtaining prior approval from the MSME Commissionerate?
A: Enterprises must obtain prior approval from the MSME Commissionerate within one year of signing the agreement or contract with the technology provider.

Q: Can enterprises apply for this scheme if they acquired technology during the previous scheme period?
A: Yes, enterprises that opted for this scheme under the previous scheme period are eligible for assistance for technology costs incurred during that period.

Q: Are royalty payments eligible for assistance?
A: Yes, royalty payments for the first 2 years are covered under the scheme, as part of the technology acquisition cost.

Q: What type of technologies are eligible under the scheme?
A: Technologies that improve products or processes, and are acquired from recognized institutions, including both domestic and international sources, are eligible.

Q: Can enterprises get assistance if they already have technology in place?
A: Enterprises can apply for the scheme if they are acquiring new technology or enhancing their existing technology, provided the acquisition meets the eligibility criteria.

Q: Is it mandatory to submit an agreement with the technology provider?
A: Yes, enterprises must submit a signed MOU, agreement, or contract with the technology provider to be eligible for the assistance.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the types of technology providers that enterprises can engage with?
A: Technology must be acquired from recognized institutions, and the provider can be either an Indian or foreign company.

Q: Can the scheme be applied to enterprises that have already started acquiring technology before the scheme was launched?
A: Yes, enterprises can apply for assistance for technology acquisition even if the process started before the scheme was launched, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Q: What are the key conditions for receiving assistance under this scheme?
A: Key conditions include obtaining prior approval from the MSME Commissionerate, acquiring technology from recognized institutions, and excluding plant and machinery purchases from the assistance.