Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower: Scheme of Financial Assistance for Setting Up Anchor Institute

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 Setting Up Anchor Institute” is aimed at supporting industry-sponsored institutions or Centers of Excellence with a proven track record of employment generation. The scheme focuses on key sectors such as Biotechnology, Marine, Mining, Agribusiness, Shipbuilding, Aerospace, Fisheries, Technical and Industrial Textiles, Auto Engineering, and other priority sectors.

Exclusions
• <br>

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)

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

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

Benefits
• &gt; **General Assistance:**
• **Capital Expenditure Support:** Up to ₹5,00,00,000/- for machinery, equipment, and infrastructure (excluding land and new buildings). - **Operating Expenditure Support:** Up to ₹5,00,00,000/- for running expenses, including faculty honorarium and administrative costs.
• &gt; **Additional Assistance:**
• **Awareness Programs &amp;amp; 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. - The institute must be based in Gujarat.
2. - The institution must be an industry-sponsored institute or center of excellence.
3. - The institute must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in its sector.
4. - The institute must be working in sectors like biotechnology, marine, mining, shipbuilding, aerospace, agribusiness, etc.
5. - The institute should have a proven track record of employment generation.
6. - The institute must commit to operating for a minimum of 10 years and function on a self-sustaining model after 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 Setting Up Anchor Institute” component?
A: The "Scheme of Financial Assistance for Setting Up Anchor Institute" component aims to provide financial support to industry-sponsored institutions or centers of excellence in Gujarat to enhance skill development and employment generation in specific focus sectors.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for financial assistance under this scheme?
A: Industry-sponsored institutions or centers of excellence with a minimum of 10 years of experience in specified sectors such as biotechnology, marine, mining, shipbuilding, aerospace, agribusiness, fisheries, industrial textiles, and auto engineering are eligible to apply.

Q: What is the maximum financial assistance provided under the scheme?
A: The scheme provides a maximum of [?]10,00,00,000/- over a period of 5 years, with [?]5,00,00,000/- allocated for capital expenditure and [?]5,00,00,000/- for operating expenses. It also provides some additional support i.e. support for awareness programs and seminars, other expenditures and trainee transportation reimbursement.

Q: What expenses are covered under capital expenditure support?
A: Capital expenditure support covers 75% of the cost of machinery, equipment, and infrastructure (excluding land and new building costs). It also includes up to 10% for refurbishing existing premises and a 2% contingency.

Q: What happens if the Anchor Institute fails to utilize the capital expenditure support within two years?
A: If an Anchor Institute fails to fully utilize capital expenditure support within two years, the operating expenditure support for the five-year period will be reduced proportionally based on the unutilized amount.

Q: Can the financial assistance be used for administrative expenses?
A: Yes, administrative expenses for staff salaries can be covered but are limited to 20% of the annual operating expenditure, excluding payments for internal faculty members.

Q: Is there financial support available for awareness programs and seminars?
A: Yes, [?]1,00,000/- per training center per year is provided for awareness programs and seminars, subject to prior approval from the Industries Commissionerate (IC) or the Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CED).

Q: Are trainees eligible for travel reimbursement under this scheme?
A: Yes, trainees who complete skill upgradation training under any scheme are eligible for Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) bus pass reimbursement.

Q: What percentage of travel reimbursement is provided to different categories of trainees?
A: 100% reimbursement is provided to BPL candidates, physically handicapped individuals, SC, ST, SEBC, and women. 75% reimbursement is provided to all other candidates.

Q: What actions can be taken if an Anchor Institute engages in malpractice?
A: If an Anchor Institute deviates from the scheme's objectives or engages in malpractice, administrative action, including debarment and recovery of grants, will be taken. The decision of the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC) is final and binding.

Q: How often is the performance of an Anchor Institute reviewed?
A: The performance of an Anchor Institute is reviewed every six months by the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC).

Q: Where can interested institutions apply for the scheme?
A: Interested institutions can apply by submitting a detailed proposal to the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC) along with the required documents.