Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for assistance to MSMEs: Assistance in Implementation of Information and Communication Technology

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 in Implementation of Information and Communication Technology " offers financial assistance to enterprises for the implementation of Information and Communication Technology ICT solutions, including hardware for cloud computing and networking.

Exclusions
• Enterprises not engaged in the implementation of ICT solutions are not eligible.
• Expenditures incurred after the operative period of the scheme are not eligible for assistance.

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
• > **Capital Expenditure Support:**
• Up to 65% of the capital expenditure related to ICT facilities is eligible for reimbursement.
• Maximum assistance is up to ₹5,00,000/- during the operative period of the scheme.
• > **Coverage for Previous Expenditure:**
• Enterprises opting for the scheme can also receive assistance for expenses incurred during the previous scheme’s operative period until the date of issue of this GR.

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's operative period.
5. The scheme is available to all eligible enterprises that plan to implement ICT solutions, such as hardware for cloud computing and networking.

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…
Offline

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/lEM/LOI Registration certificate.
• Copy of the Constitution of the enterprise.
• CA certificate for fixed capital investment.
• CA certified Detailed expenditure statement for obtaining the ICT System.
• Undertaking for any assistance from GoG and Gol.
• Copy of the bill of expenditure occurred.
• Copy of Highlighted Bank Statement.
• Copy of GPCB approved NOC/Consent & other departments approval (if applicable).
• Copy of PAN Card of Enterprise, promoters/promoters/Directors, and Authorized signatory.
• Copy of GST registration. (If Applicable).
• Copy of Audited Balance sheet/ ITR of the last financial year.
• Copy of last electricity bill.
• Certified copy of Brief project report regarding ICT /cloud computing including benefit analysis.
• Self-Attested documents/ details to be submitted by the Authorized Person.
• Power of attorney/ Board resolution letter/consent letter.

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: Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?
A: MSMEs established and operating within Gujarat are eligible to benefit from the scheme, as per the criteria defined in the policy framework.

Q: What is the purpose of this component?
A: The component aims to support enterprises by providing financial assistance for implementing ICT solutions, including hardware for cloud computing and networking.

Q: How much capital expenditure can be covered under the scheme?
A: The scheme provides assistance of up to 65% of the capital expenditure related to ICT facilities, with a maximum limit of [?]5,00,000/-.

Q: Can enterprises claim assistance for expenses incurred before the scheme was introduced?
A: Yes, eligible enterprises can claim assistance for expenses incurred during the previous scheme's operative period until the date of issue of this GR.

Q: Who is eligible for assistance under this scheme?
A: All enterprises that plan to implement ICT solutions and meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme can apply.

Q: What is the maximum amount that can be claimed under the scheme?
A: The maximum amount that can be claimed is [?]5,00,000/- for capital expenditure related to ICT facilities.

Q: What expenses are covered under the scheme?
A: The scheme covers expenses for ICT equipment used in communication and networking, including hardware for accessing cloud computing.

Q: Can an enterprise that has already implemented ICT solutions apply for this scheme?
A: Yes, as long as the implementation falls within the operative period of the scheme and meets the eligibility criteria.

Q: Is assistance available for ongoing ICT projects?
A: Yes, enterprises can apply for assistance for ICT projects that are ongoing, provided they are in line with the scheme's objectives and within the operative period.