Quality Certification Reimbursement Scheme

Description
Launched in 2018, the "Quality Certification Reimbursement Scheme" is one of the "Information Technology Policy Schemes" by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa. The objective and the scope of this scheme is to provide Quality Certification Reimbursement to the eligible Information Technology Units in the State of Goa. Reimbursement of the cost of industry-standard quality certification, capped at ₹ 5,00,000 per unit. The scheme has been framed as a part of Goa's IT Policy that envisages Goa as an aspirational geographical and human resource base for IT Units and a preferred destination for their investment and expansion.

Exclusions
• The units availing similar financial incentives under any other policy of the Government of Goa are not eligible for availing benefits under this scheme.
• <br>

Benefits
• Reimbursement of the cost of industry-standard quality certification.
• The maximum amount that may be availed under this reimbursement is capped at ₹ 5,00,000 per unit.
• NOTE 1: The benefits under this scheme are subject to budgetary allocation. No Promissory Estoppel shall be applicable if benefits are discontinued in case the allocation is exceeded.
• NOTE 2: This incentive may be claimed only once for any number of certifications acquired during the policy period.

Eligibility Criteria
1. All the new and existing units must have their operations in Goa.
2. The applicant must be one of the below:
3. - Proprietorship Firm
4. - Private Limited Company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 (or equivalent)
5. - Public Limited Company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 (or equivalent)
6. - Registered Partnership Firm incorporated under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 (or equivalent)
7. - Limited Liability Partnership incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 (or equivalent)
8. The bank accounts of the unit and/or its partner(s)/director(s) should be linked to Aadhaar.
9. Units incurring expenditure for acquiring the following quality and/or product-specific certificates are entitled to avail of the benefits:
10. - ISO: International Organization for Standardization.
11. - HACCP: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points.
12. - BIS: Bureau of Indian Standards.
13. - WHO-GMP: World Health Organization - Good Manufacturing Practices.
14. - ZED: Zero Defect Zero Effect.
15. - TS: Technical Specifications.
16. - COPC: Customer Operations Performance Center.
17. - eSCM: eSourcing Capability Model.
18. - Hallmark: Hallmark certification, as approved by the Quality Council of India.
19. - Any other certificates as recognized by the Government.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Visit the Official Web Portal of Goa Online. At the top right corner, click "Register".
Online
Step 1: Visit the Official Web Portal of Goa Online. At the top right corner, click "Register".

Step 2: Step 2: On the next page, verify your Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP. You will be redirected to the Registration Page.
Online
Step 2: On the next page, verify your Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP. You will be redirected to the Registration Page.

Step 3: Step 3: On the Registration Page, fill in all the mandatory fields of the registration form. Create a Login Name and a strong Password. Carefully read the Declaration and the Terms & Conditions, and tick the checkboxes. Fill in the Captcha Code, a…
Online
Step 3: On the Registration Page, fill in all the mandatory fields of the registration form. Create a Login Name and a strong Password. Carefully read the Declaration and the Terms & Conditions, and tick the checkboxes. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Register/Signup".

Step 4: Step 4: Login to the website using your Login Name and Password. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Login".
Online
Step 4: Login to the website using your Login Name and Password. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Login".

Step 5: Step 5: In the top ribbon, click on "Services", then click on "IT Services". Click on the name of the scheme. You will be taken to the application form for the scheme. Fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents.
Online
Step 5: In the top ribbon, click on "Services", then click on "IT Services". Click on the name of the scheme. You will be taken to the application form for the scheme. Fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents.

Step 6: Step 6: Submit the application. A unique registration number will be generated. Note this number for future reference.
Online
NOTE: The applicant can apply for this scheme on a quarterly/bi-annually/annual basis after incurring the relevant expenditure.
Incentive Application Receipt: D
Application scrutiny as per checklist: D+30days
Application approval by the Empowered Committee: D+60 days
Issue of Regret Letter/Sanction Orders and Disbursement: D+90 days

Required Documents
• Copy of Incorporation Certificate.
• Copy of new unit registration document/certificate.
• Copies of PAN, Aadhaar and GST TIN.
• Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• Copy of first bill generated showing the date of commencement of operations or other relevant document.
• Copies of Quality Certificate(s) for which the subsidy is being claimed.
• Bills/invoices/receipts or other proof of payment for all expenses incurred in order to obtain said certification.
• Udyog Aadhaar.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the specific quality and product certifications recognized under the eligibility criteria for availing benefits, and how does the government define their relevance?
A: The eligibility criteria encompass certifications such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), WHO-GMP (World Health Organization - Good Manufacturing Practices), ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect), TS (Technical Specifications), COPC (Customer Operations Performance Center), eSCM (eSourcing Capability Model), and Hallmark. Additionally, any other certificates recognized by the Government are included.

Q: Could you elaborate on the maximum reimbursement limit and the conditions associated with availing benefits under this scheme?
A: The maximum reimbursement limit under this scheme is capped at [?]5,00,000 per unit. However, it's essential to note that the benefits are subject to budgetary allocation. In the event of the allocation being exceeded, no Promissory Estoppel shall be applicable if the benefits are discontinued.

Q: What is the frequency at which the incentive for reimbursement of industry-standard quality certification can be claimed, and are there any restrictions on the number of certifications that can be covered in a single claim?
A: The incentive for reimbursement of industry-standard quality certification may be claimed only once during the policy period. However, it is applicable for any number of certifications acquired in that period.

Q: Could you provide detailed insights into the documentation required for availing benefits under this scheme?
A: To avail benefits, the required documentation includes a copy of the Incorporation Certificate, new unit registration document/certificate, PAN, Aadhaar, and GST TIN copies, Memorandum and Articles of Association, the first bill indicating the date of commencement of operations, copies of Quality Certificates being claimed, and bills/invoices/receipts or other proofs of payment for all expenses related to obtaining the certification. Additionally, Udyog Aadhaar is a mandatory document.

Q: How is the relevance of the certificates assessed for eligibility, and are there provisions for including new certifications not explicitly mentioned in the eligibility criteria?
A: The eligibility is determined based on the recognition of certificates listed in the criteria. However, the provision "Any other certificates as recognized by the Government" allows for flexibility to include new certifications not explicitly mentioned, provided they are officially recognized by the Government.

Q: Where Can I Find The Link To The Scheme Guidelines?
A: You can access the comprehensive Scheme Guidelines, which provide intricate details and instructions, at the following web address: https://www.goa.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ITPolicySchemes2018.pdf

Q: Where Can I Find The Link To The Official Gazette?
A: You can obtain the Official Gazette by visiting this specific webpage: https://ditc.goa.gov.in/sites/default/files/Target-Schemes.pdf

Q: Where Can I Find The Link To The User Manual for Business Entity?
A: You can obtain the Official Gazette by visiting this specific webpage: https://services.goaonline.gov.in/Downloads/Organization/BusinessProfile_UserManual.pdf

Q: When was the scheme launched and by which department?
A: The scheme was launched in 2018 by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa.

Q: What are the objectives of the Information Technology Policy of Goa?
A: Goa's IT Policy envisages Goa as an aspirational geographical and human resource base for IT Units and a preferred destination for their investment and expansion.

Q: Is it mandatory for the applicant units, both new and existing, to have their operations in Goa?
A: Yes, in order to be eligible to apply for this scheme, the New and Existing Units must have their operations in Goa.

Q: Is Udyog Aadhaar a mandatory document for this scheme?
A: Yes, the applicant unit shall be eligible for the benefits under this scheme only up on production of Udyog Aadhaar.