Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower: Scheme of Financial Assistance for Skill Development to MSME Sector

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 Skill Development to MSME Sector” aims to provide financial support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises MSMEs for the skill upgradation of their workforce. Under this scheme, MSMEs can sponsor employees with at least one year of experience for training programs.

Exclusions
• <br>

Benefits
• **Financial Assistance:** 100% reimbursement of course fees, up to ₹10,000/- per trainee. - **Skill Enhancement:** Employees receive skill upgradation, improving efficiency and productivity. - **Recognized Training:** Programs are conducted by institutions approved by Anchor Institutes, MES, NCVT, GCVT, and Sector Skill Councils. - **Third-Party Assessment:** Ensures quality training through post-course skill assessment.
• &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. - The applicant unit should belong to the MSME sector.
2. - The MSME must sponsor a candidate from its workforce.
3. - The candidate must have at least one year of experience in the MSME.
4. - The training partner/organization must have at least 10 years of experience.
5. <br>

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 Skill Development to MSME Sector” component?
A: The "Scheme of Financial Assistance for Skill Development to MSME Sector" component aims to provide financial support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the skill upgradation of their workforce.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for this component?
A: Any registered MSME can apply for the scheme to sponsor its employees for skill development training.

Q: What is the maximum financial assistance provided under this scheme?
A: The scheme provides 100% reimbursement of the course fee, up to a maximum of [?]10,000/- per trainee.

Q: Can an individual employee apply for the scheme directly?
A: No, an individual cannot apply directly. Only an MSME can sponsor its employees for the scheme.

Q: What is the minimum experience required for a candidate to be eligible for training under this scheme?
A: The candidate must have at least one year of experience working in the MSME sector.

Q: Which training institutions are eligible under this scheme?
A: Only training institutions recommended by an Anchor Institute or approved by MES, NCVT, GCVT, or Sector Skill Councils are eligible.

Q: What is the role of the training partner in this scheme?
A: The training partner conducts the training program and ensures that a third-party skill assessment is carried out after the completion of the course.

Q: Is a performance guarantee required for training partners?
A: Yes, the training partner must furnish a performance guarantee of [?]5 lakh for one year to be eligible for reimbursement.

Q: What happens if the training partner fails to meet the annual target set by SLEC/CED?
A: If the training partner does not meet the annual target, they may lose their right to the bank guarantee submitted to CED.

Q: Can an MSME sponsor multiple employees for training under this scheme?
A: Yes, an MSME can sponsor multiple employees for training, depending on its skill development requirements.

Q: Is third-party skill assessment mandatory for trainees?
A: Yes, third-party skill assessment is compulsory after course completion for the reimbursement of the training fee.