Financial Incentives for Certification and Intellectual Property Rights Reimbursement Scheme

Description
The scheme "Financial Incentives for Certification and Intellectual Property Rights Reimbursement Scheme" was launched by the Department of Industries, Trade & Commerce, Government of Goa. The scheme aims to encourage industrial units and eligible service providing units/institutions operating in the State of Goa to obtain National and International Certification, maintain requisite standards of quality, promote technological up-gradation, and encourage the registration of Intellectual Property Rights IPRs to enhance competitive strength and protect innovation. The scheme provides financial reimbursement for actual expenditure incurred in acquiring recognized certifications and covers professional and registry fees related to IPR registration, subject to specific monetary ceilings for the entire validity period.

Exclusions
• The applicant is not entitled to benefits if the Certification obtained is Statutory certification under any relevant provisions of the law.
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Benefits
• Reimbursement of charges to the extent of 100% of actual expenditure per certification. Subject to a combined ceiling of ₹8,00,000/- only for the entire period of the scheme.
• Reimbursement of 50% of the professional fees for registration and fees paid to the registry for registration of Intellectual Property Rights. Subject to a maximum ceiling of ₹15,00,000/- for the entire period of the scheme.
• The reimbursement for certification will include eligible charges incurred to obtain the certificate.
• The reimbursement for certification will not include charges of lodging/boarding, refreshment, and travel.
• If the applicant has availed reimbursement under any other similar scheme of the Central Government for a particular certification, the reimbursement under this scheme is restricted only to the balance amount after deducting the Central Government assistance already availed.
• The benefits under this scheme are subject to budgetary allocation.
• The beneficiary shall allow and/or grant free access to any official authorized by the Directorate of Industries, Trade & Commerce for conducting inspection/supervision of the unit or the registers or holding discussions with the employed employees for ensuring proper utilisation of the financial incentives/subsidies granted by the State Government.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - The applicant must be one of the following -
2. (a) An Industrial Unit in all Categories operating in Goa.
3. (b) A Hospital recognized by the Government of Goa and operating in Goa.
4. (c) An Educational Institution recognized by the Government of Goa and operating in Goa.
5. - The applicant must have obtained Certification from Indian Standard Institute (ISI), International Standard Organization (ISO) or any other recognised National/International Certification for quality standards and/or Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) as accepted by the Task Force Committee.
6. - The applicant must not have claimed this benefit under any other scheme/program of the Government of Goa.
7. - The applicant must not be taking or have taken any benefit under any policy of the Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa.
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Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The eligible unit must take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form.
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Step 1: The eligible unit must take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form.

Step 2: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
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Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to - Directorate of Industries, Trade & Commerce (DITC), Goa.
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Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to - Directorate of Industries, Trade & Commerce (DITC), Goa.

Required Documents
• A Self-Attested Copy Of Registration Under Umbrella Scheme.
• A Self-Declaration In The Format Specified.
• Proof Of Registration, Functioning Status Of The Unit.
• Documents Of Acquiring The Intellectual Property Right/And Certification From Recognized Agencies.
• A Copy Of Bills And Receipts Of The Expenditure Incurred.
• A Copy Of Partnership Deed, Memorandum Of Association/Articles Of Association (As The Case May Be).
• Certificate From Chartered Accountant (In Original) Indicating The Actual Expenditure Incurred On Obtaining Certification Or Intellectual Property Right As The Case May Be.
• Certificate From Chartered Accountant Stating That No Claim From The Department Of Information Technology, Government Of Goa, Has Been Made For Any Incentives.
• A Chartered Accountant Certificate Certifying That No Other Claim For Similar Benefit Has Been Made Under Any Other Scheme/Program Of Government Of Goa.
• Certificate From Chartered Accountant Stating That The Certification Which Is Obtained Is Not A Mandatory Statutory Certification Under The Relevant Provisions Of The Law.
• Certificate From Chartered Accountant Certifying The Benefits Obtained Under Similar Schemes Of Government Of India (If Any).

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are applicants entitled to receive financial assistance through this program if the quality certification they obtained is a mandatory requirement under existing provisions of the law?
A: No. Any certification that is classified as a mandatory statutory certification under the relevant provisions of the law shall not be entitled to receive benefits under this financial assistance program.
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Q: What is the highest total amount that an eligible industrial unit or institution can receive as reimbursement for certification expenses during the entire scheme's operation?
A: The maximum combined ceiling for general certification reimbursement (excluding Intellectual Property Rights claims) is limited to ₹8,00,000/- for the unit or institution over the entire period of the scheme.
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Q: If my unit is currently receiving or has previously benefited from any incentive policy implemented by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa, am I still eligible?
A: No, units that are currently taking or have previously taken any benefit under any policy instituted by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa, are ineligible to receive benefits under this scheme.
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Q: Which specific types of certificates related to quality standards must an applicant obtain to fulfill the requirement for National or International Certification under this scheme?
A: The applicant must have obtained Certification from the Indian Standard Institute, the International Standard Organization, or any other recognized National or International Certification for quality standards.
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Q: In addition to obtaining standard quality certification, is there a requirement that industrial or service units must register their Intellectual Property Rights to qualify for support?
A: Yes, eligible applicants must have obtained Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) registration as accepted and recognized by the Task Force Committee specified under the scheme.
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Q: What percentage of the actual expenses incurred for obtaining a recognized quality management system certification can be claimed back under this reimbursement program?
A: Reimbursement of charges will cover up to 100% of the actual expenditure incurred per certification during the scheme&#39;s validity period.
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Q: What are the continuing documentation and communication requirements that the beneficiary must adhere to after successfully receiving the reimbursement under this program?
A: The beneficiary must submit all necessary reports, information, and documents specified under the scheme or those required or directed by the Directorate of Industries, Trade &amp; Commerce, on a timely basis.
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Q: To successfully qualify for financial incentives under this program, must an industrial unit belong to a specific category, or are all classifications acceptable?
A: The financial incentives provided by this scheme are applicable to Industrial Units operating in the State of Goa, and eligibility extends to units in all Categories.
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Q: When calculating the actual expenditure for which reimbursement is claimed for certification, are there certain common costs associated with the audit that are specifically excluded?
A: Yes, the calculation of actual expenses eligible for reimbursement for certification specifically excludes charges related to lodging, boarding, refreshment, and travel expenses incurred.
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Q: What is the maximum monetary ceiling established for the reimbursement of professional fees and registry fees associated with the registration of Intellectual Property Rights?
A: The maximum ceiling for Intellectual Property Rights reimbursement is ₹15,00,000/- for the entire period of the scheme.
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Q: If my unit has already received partial reimbursement for the same certification through a similar scheme provided by the Central Government, how does that affect my claim under this scheme?
A: You remain eligible, but the reimbursement under this scheme will be restricted only to the balance amount remaining after deducting the Central Government assistance or any assistance already availed.
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Q: Does an institution providing specialized services, such as a hospital or an educational facility, need official acknowledgment from the government of the state to be eligible?
A: Yes, the applicant must be a hospital or an educational institution recognized by the Government of Goa and must currently be operating within the State of Goa to be eligible.
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Q: Is the granting of benefits under this particular reimbursement program guaranteed irrespective of other factors, or is it contingent upon specific financial conditions?
A: The granting and continuation of benefits under this scheme are not guaranteed, as they are explicitly subject to the availability of the necessary budgetary allocation.
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Q: If my unit has previously received financial support for the purpose of acquiring similar certifications under another scheme or program offered by the Government of Goa, can I apply now?
A: No, this scheme is strictly not applicable if the applicant has already claimed this specific benefit under any other existing scheme or program sponsored by the Government of Goa.
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