Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower: Scheme of Financial Assistance for Setting-up of Specialized Skill Development Centers at Industry

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 of Specialized Skill Development Centers at Industry”is designed to support industries in establishing advanced training centers. These centers will focus on specialized skill development in fields such as marine engineering, mining, specialized pipe laying, aerospace, defense production, automobiles, machine learning, robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and other high-tech or management domains as determined by the State Level Empowered Committee.

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)

Benefits
• &gt; **Quantum of Assistance:**
• Assistance to the extent of 50% of the project cost, maximum of ₹2,00,00,000/- covering construction of new building or refurbishing of existing building, equipment and machinery including installation cost, electrification, furniture and other related investment, except of land cost, will be provided.
• &amp;amp;gt; **Additional Assistance:**
• **Awareness Programs &amp;amp;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. - Industry Partner must be an industry/association with at least 10 years of experience in skill development.
2. - Both entities must be legally registered under Societies Act, Trust Act, or Companies Act.
3. - Courses should be aligned with NSDC, NCVT, GCVT, or Sector Skill Council guidelines.
4. - A minimum of 25% of course intake must be industry-sponsored.
5. - At least 75% of industry-sponsored trainees must be provided employment.
6. - 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 Setting-up of Specialized Skill Development Centers at Industry” component?
A: The "Scheme of Financial Assistance for Setting up of Specialized Skill Development Centers at Industry" component is designed to support industries in establishing advanced training centers. These centers will focus on specialized skill development in fields such as marine engineering, mining, specialized pipe laying, aerospace, defense production, automobiles, machine learning, robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and other high-tech or management domains as determined by the State Level Empowered Committee.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
A: Any legally registered industry operating in specialized skill development areas such as marine engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, or aerospace is eligible to apply.

Q: What is the maximum financial assistance provided under the scheme?
A: The scheme provides financial assistance of up to 50% of the project cost, with a maximum limit of [?]2,00,00,000/-.

Q: Which expenses are covered under the scheme?
A: The scheme covers expenses related to equipment, machinery, installation, electrification, and other necessary investments.

Q: How is the financial assistance disbursed to the industry?
A: The financial assistance is provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning the industry must first incur the expenses and then submit a claim for reimbursement.

Q: Is a host institute required for the training center under this scheme?
A: No, there is no requirement for a host institute under this scheme.

Q: What is the requirement for a performance bank guarantee?
A: The industry is required to furnish 10% of the sanctioned grant as a performance bank guarantee.

Q: Can the training center function as a service center for industries?
A: Yes, the training center can also serve as a service center for industry clusters, allowing for maximum utilization of infrastructure and machinery while creating a revenue generation model.

Q: Are MSMEs eligible to apply for the scheme?
A: Yes, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are eligible to apply if they operate in one of the specialized skill development sectors recognized under the scheme.

Q: Can an industry apply for funding for multiple training centers?
A: Yes, an industry can apply for multiple training centers, but each proposal will be evaluated separately based on feasibility and requirements.

Q: Is prior experience in skill development necessary to apply?
A: No, prior experience in skill development is not mandatory, but the industry should demonstrate expertise in the specialized field for which the training center is being proposed.

Q: Can a training center be set up in a rural area under this scheme?
A: Yes, a training center can be established in a rural area, provided it meets the eligibility criteria and aligns with industry and skill development requirements.

Q: Yes, a training center can be established in a rural area, provided it meets the eligibility criteria and aligns with industry and skill development requirements.
A: If an industry fails to comply with the scheme's terms and conditions, the financial assistance may be revoked, and penalties may be imposed as per government regulations.