Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Quality Upgradation / Certification: Drying Yards

Description
The scheme "Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Quality Upgradation / Certification: Drying Yards" is a Sub-Component of the Scheme "Integrated Coffee Development Project During the Medium Term Framework MTF Period: Development Support to Stakeholders" by the Coffee Board, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This scheme aims to facilitate the improvement of the quality of coffee produced by growers by encouraging them to establish infrastructure for quality enhancement and obtain certification for their coffees, enabling them to earn better returns. This involves three main activities: supply of pulpers, construction of cement drying yards, and eco-certification of coffee holdings.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• Size of the Holding: Up to 2 hectares.
• Dimension of the Unit: 10 feet x 10 feet or (100 square feet).
• Unit Cost: ₹15,000/-
• Rate of Subsidy: 75% of unit cost.
• Size of the Holding: 2 hectares and above.
• Dimension of the Unit: 20 feet x 20 feet or (400 square feet).
• Unit Cost: ₹45,000/-
• Rate of Subsidy: 75% of unit cost.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a tribal grower.
2. The applicant should not have availed of the benefits during the XII plan.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Submission of Required Documents
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The beneficiary/applicant must submit the application in the prescribed format along with the necessary documents for availing of the subsidy.

Step 2: Step 2: Document Scrutiny and Field Inspection
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The Extension Officer will scrutinize the submitted documents. A field inspection will be conducted to verify the information.

Step 3: Step 3: Application Forwarding
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The Extension Officer will forward the application along with the verification report to the concerned Joint Director (Extension)/Deputy Director (Extension).

Step 4: Step 4: Scrutiny by Joint Director/Deputy Director
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The Joint Director (Extension)/Deputy Director (Extension) will scrutinize the application and verification report.

Step 5: Step 5: Subsidy Release
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After scrutiny and satisfaction about the admissibility of the claim, the Joint Director (Extension)/Deputy Director (Extension) will release the applicable subsidy to the beneficiary through electronic fund transfer (EFT).

Required Documents
• Application in the prescribed format (in duplicate).
• Copy of photo identity cards like Aadhaar (Unique Identification), Ration card, Passport, Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC), or Driving license, etc.
• Work completion report and expenditure statement by the applicant.
• Copy of the Bank Pass Book with account details.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you elaborate on the specific dimensions for the cement drying yards mentioned in the scheme?
A: The dimensions are either 10 feet x 10 feet for holdings up to 2 hectares or 20 feet x 20 feet for holdings of 2 hectares and above, providing clarity for infrastructure development.

Q: What measures are in place to prevent misuse of subsidy funds?
A: The scheme emphasizes ethical conduct, and any attempts at coercion, bribery, or misinformation in obtaining subsidies lead to rejection and legal consequences.

Q: How is subsidy release facilitated, and what is the mode of fund transfer?
A: After scrutiny, the Joint Director/Deputy Director releases the subsidy through electronic fund transfer (EFT), ensuring a transparent and efficient disbursement process.

Q: What is the role of the Joint Director/Deputy Director in the scrutiny process?
A: They scrutinize the application and verification report to ensure compliance with the scheme's guidelines before releasing the subsidy.

Q: Can the scheme be availed multiple times by the same applicant?
A: No, applicants are ineligible if they have availed benefits during the XII plan, ensuring fair distribution of resources and opportunities.

Q: How is the field inspection conducted, and what aspects does it cover?
A: The Extension Officer conducts a field inspection to verify information submitted by the beneficiary. It includes on-site examination of infrastructure and project-related details.

Q: What actions can lead to the rejection of applications, and what measures are taken against misconduct?
A: Applications offering rewards, gifts, coercion, or providing incorrect information may be rejected. Legal action, including recovery with interest, is initiated against those obtaining subsidy benefits through misconduct.

Q: How are land records verified, and what is the role of the Village Authority/State Government Authority/Competent Authority?
A: Land records/possession certificates must be duly certified by the Village Authority/State Government Authority/Competent Authority to verify the applicant's eligibility.

Q: What documents are required for availing the subsidy?
A: Applicants need to submit the prescribed application, photo identity cards, work completion report, expenditure statement, and a copy of the Bank Pass Book with account details. Land records and possession certificates are also mandatory.

Q: Could you provide details on the unit cost and subsidy rates based on the size of the holding?
A: For holdings up to 2 hectares, the unit cost is [?]15,000/- with a 75% subsidy. For holdings of 2 hectares and above, the unit cost is [?]45,000/- with a 75% subsidy.

Q: What is the eligibility criterion for applicants under this scheme?
A: Applicants must be tribal growers and should not have availed of the benefits during the XII plan.

Q: Could you elaborate on the objectives of the scheme regarding the improvement of coffee quality?
A: The scheme aims to enhance coffee quality by encouraging growers to establish infrastructure for quality enhancement, including activities such as supply of pulpers, construction of cement drying yards, and eco-certification of coffee holdings.

Q: Who administers the "Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region" scheme, and what is its broader framework?
A: The scheme is administered by the Coffee Board under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is a sub-component of the "Integrated Coffee Development Project" during the Medium Term Framework (MTF) period.