Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower: Scheme of Financial Assistance for Running Short-term Bridge Courses

Description
The "Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Effective from August 7th, 2020 to August 6th, 2025, it aims to bridge the industry’s skill gap, boost employment, and align workforce training with evolving technology and business needs. The component “Scheme of Financial Assistance for Running Short-term Bridge Courses” aims to enhance skill development by providing industry-relevant training. It enables Industry Partners and Host Institutes to collaborate in setting up specialized training centers to equip trainees with in-demand skills, improving employability and workforce readiness.

Definitions
Anchor Institute
(Source: https://ic.gujarat.gov.in/documents/commondoc/2020/15-GR_02092020.pdf)

Nodal Institute
(Source: https://ic.gujarat.gov.in/documents/commondoc/2020/15-GR_02092020.pdf)

Host Institute
(Source: https://ic.gujarat.gov.in/documents/commondoc/2020/15-GR_02092020.pdf)

Benefits
• > **General Assistance:**
• **Financial Assistance for Fixed Cost:** Up to 75% of the total fixed cost (machinery, equipment, classroom furniture, and refurbishing) will be provided as financial assistance of a maximum ₹1,00,00,000/-.
• **Refurbishing Support:** Financial assistance for refurbishing the existing building used for training courses, limited to 20% of the project cost, up to a maximum of ₹20,00,000/-.
• **Recurring Cost Assistance:** Assistance for Recurring cost like remuneration to external faculties, raw material/ training material, tools, other consumables, electricity bill, stationary cost and other administrative expenses as approved by the Institutional Management Committee (IMC).
• > **Additional Assistance:**
• **Awareness Programs & Seminars:** A maximum support of ₹1,00,000/- per training center per year will be provided for awareness programs and seminars.
• **Other Expenditures:** SLEC/IC/CED can approve the expenditure on any study, renovation/refurbishing of existing skill centers/institute, remuneration to third party evaluation of scheme, monitoring/audit expenses, assessment agency, etc.
• **Trainee Transportation Reimbursement:** Trainees who complete skill upgradation training under any scheme will be eligible for reimbursement of Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) bus passes for travel between their residence and training center as per the following rates:
• **For BPL candidates, Physically Handicapped, SC, ST, SEBC, and Women:** 100% 1. **For Other candidates:** 75%

Eligibility Criteria
1. - Host Institute must be an ITIs, Polytechnic, Engineering College, or Government-Affiliated Institution with at least 5 years of experience.
2. - Industry Partner must be an industry/association with at least 10 years of experience in skill development.
3. - Both entities must be legally registered under Societies Act, Trust Act, or Companies Act.
4. - Courses should be aligned with NSDC, NCVT, GCVT, or Sector Skill Council guidelines.
5. - A minimum of 25% of course intake must be industry-sponsored.
6. - At least 75% of industry-sponsored trainees must be provided employment.
7. - The training center must be operational for at least 5 years.

Required Documents
• Application in the prescribed format.
• Registration detail of the applicant Organization.
• Audited financial report of last 3 years.
• Proposed courses details (Annexure-A).
• Need for conducting courses.
• Project Cost (Annexure-B, Annexure- C, Annexure-D).
• Proposed training center infrastructure photos/lay out/map.
• Self-declaration on available machinery & infrastructure.
• Consent/Interest letter.
• Linkages with Industries.
• Industries recommendation/demand/support letters.
• Land: Sale deed/ lease deed for ownership/ long lease.
• Rent agreement.
• Pre-feasibility report.
• Sign & Stamp at each page.
• Soft copy of application in CD/DVD.
• Others.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of the "Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower"?
A: The "Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Effective from August 7th, 2020 to August 6th, 2025, it aims to bridge the industry's skill gap, boost employment, and align workforce training with evolving technology and business needs.

Q: What is the objective of the “Scheme of Financial Assistance for Running Short-term Bridge Courses” component?
A: The "Scheme of Financial Assistance for Running Short-term Bridge Courses" component aims to provide financial assistance to industry partners and host institutes for running short-term bridge courses in specific training areas.

Q: What is the maximum financial assistance available under the scheme?
A: The maximum financial assistance under the scheme is [?]1,00,00,000/- for the total fixed cost, including machinery, equipment, and building refurbishment.

Q: How is the financial assistance released to the industry partner?
A: The financial assistance is released in two phases: 60% in the first phase and the remaining 15% after 5 years.

Q: What percentage of the total cost must be borne by the industry partner?
A: The Industry Partner must bear at least 25% of the total cost, including machinery, equipment, and building refurbishment.

Q: What is the time limit for starting the training center after receiving financial assistance?
A: The training center must commence within 2 years from the date of sanction, or else no financial assistance will be provided.

Q: How much financial support is available for refurbishing existing buildings?
A: Financial support for refurbishing the existing building is limited to 20% of the project cost, with a maximum of [?]20,00,000/-.

Q: What types of recurring costs are covered under the scheme?
A: Recurring costs such as remuneration to external faculties, training materials, tools, consumables, electricity bills, stationery, and administrative expenses are covered.

Q: How is the net recurring cost calculated?
A: The net recurring cost is calculated as the total recurring expenditure minus the course fee received.

Q: What percentage of the net recurring cost is reimbursed to the industry partner?
A: 75% of the net recurring cost will be reimbursed to the Industry Partner as financial assistance.

Q: What is the role of the host institute in the scheme?
A: The Host Institute must provide appropriate infrastructure, internal faculty services, and an environment to run the training program.

Q: What happens if the industry partner or host institute deviates from the scheme's objectives?
A: If the Industry Partner or Host Institute deviates from the objectives or engages in malpractice, administrative action, including debarment and recovery of the grant, will be taken.

Q: How often can applications be submitted under this scheme?
A: Applications for assistance under this scheme can be submitted twice a year, in April and October.