Scheme of Assistance for Environment Protection Measures: Scheme for assistance to encouraging Green Practices and Environmental Audit to MSMEs

Description
The "Scheme of Assistance for Environment Protection Measures" 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, this initiative promotes sustainable industrial growth by supporting industries in adopting eco-friendly practices and ensuring compliance with environmental norms. The component "Scheme for Assistance to Encourage Green Practices and Environmental Audit for MSMEs" is designed to promote green practices and environmental sustainability in MSMEs by providing financial support for activities such as environmental audits, installation of monitoring systems, and adopting eco-friendly infrastructure.

Definitions
Existing Enterprise
(Source: https://ic.gujarat.gov.in/documents/commondoc/2020/7-GR_02092020.pdf)

Project Cost
Project Cost means the cost approved by the Committee constituted under this resolution.
(Source: https://ic.gujarat.gov.in/documents/commondoc/2020/7-GR_02092020.pdf)

Eligible Fixed Capital Investment
Eligible Fixed Capital Investment means the capital investment made in plant and machinery, equipment and civil work (except building if required for the project such as erection) etc. during the operative period of the scheme.
(Source: https://ic.gujarat.gov.in/documents/commondoc/2020/7-GR_02092020.pdf)

Benefits
• <br>
• **Eligible Activity****Quantum of Assistance per Project** Periodic Environmental AuditsUp to 75% of fees with a ceiling of ₹50,000/- per audit.Installation of Monitoring SystemsUp to 25% of fees with a ceiling of ₹5,00,000/- per audit.Green Building CertificationUp to 50% of fees with a ceiling of ₹2,50,000/- per audit.Environmental Management SystemsUp to 50% of fees with a ceiling of ₹10,00,000/- per audit.Cluster-Based Equipment PurchaseUp to 35% of fees with a ceiling of ₹35,00,000/- per audit.Wastewater Recovery SystemsUp to 50% of fees with a ceiling of ₹75,00,000/- per audit.<br>

Eligibility Criteria
1. The industry/unit must be registered under relevant industrial laws in Gujarat.
2. The industry/unit must comply with existing environmental regulations and standards.
3. The industry/unit must be engaged in manufacturing or production activities.
4. The industry/unit must undertake projects focused on environmental protection measures.
5. The industry/unit must adopt green practices as specified in the scheme.

Required Documents
• Detailed Project Report for the project.
• Chartered Accountant Certificate for the expenditure.
• Expenditure statement approved by Chartered Accountant in prescribed pro forma.
• Justification of the comparative benefits of the implemented project with details of data and percentage reduction in raw material, water, energy consumption, or waste generation. (By maintaining the log sheet.)
• SLEC or GPCB approved independent empaneled auditor’s Environment Audit report (if applicable, otherwise justification for not applicable).
• Copy of the Constitution/Establishment of the Institute/Company. (Attach a copy of Registration Certificate.)
• Copy of EM registration/IEM Part-B/Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (UAM)/Udyam Registration (UR) - (as the case may be).
• GPCB NOC/Consent.
• Process Flow Diagram with a brief note of the existing and proposed project.
• Last year balance sheet of the enterprise.
• Copies of invoices for which expenditure incurred for the project.
• Bank statements for expenditure incurred in the project.
• Photographs of the project (minimum 3 photographs).
• Rating certificate (for Scheme No. 3).
• Copy of any other financial assistance granted by GoG and/or GoI for the same component/project. (If not granted, then give undertaking.)
• Undertaking for outstanding Government dues and any pending court case against the government.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the "Scheme for Assistance for Environment Protection Measures"?
A: The "Scheme of Assistance for Environment Protection Measures" under the Gujarat Industrial Policy promotes sustainable industrial growth by supporting industries in adopting eco-friendly practices and ensuring compliance with environmental norms, effective from August 7th, 2020 to August 6th, 2025.

Q: What is the purpose of the "Scheme for Assistance to Encourage Green Practices and Environmental Audit for MSMEs" component?
A: The "Scheme for Assistance to Encourage Green Practices and Environmental Audit for MSMEs" component aims to encourage MSMEs to adopt green practices, improve environmental compliance, and implement eco-friendly measures.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
A: Existing MSMEs that intend to adopt green practices and meet the scheme's criteria are eligible to apply.

Q: Are newly established MSMEs eligible for this scheme?
A: No, as per the guidelines only existing MSMEs can apply under this scheme.

Q: What types of activities are covered under this scheme?
A: The scheme supports activities such as voluntary environmental audits, installation of monitoring systems, green building certifications, setting up environmental management systems, and wastewater recovery systems.

Q: Can MSMEs receive assistance for mandatory environmental audits?
A: No, the scheme only provides assistance for voluntary environmental audits not mandated by law or court orders.

Q: What is the maximum assistance available for wastewater recovery systems?
A: MSMEs can receive up to 50% of the capital cost or [?]75,00,000/-, whichever is less, for wastewater recovery systems.

Q: Can a cluster of industries apply for assistance?
A: Yes, a cluster of at least 10 industries can apply for assistance to purchase common safety or environmental compliance equipment.

Q: How is the subsidy disbursed to the applicant?
A: The subsidy is disbursed by the DIC or IC office after the approval process, based on the availability of grants.

Q: Does the scheme support green building certifications?
A: Yes, the scheme provides financial support for obtaining green building certifications under IGBC, LEED, or GRIHA.

Q: Can MSMEs apply for multiple activities under the scheme?
A: Yes, MSMEs can apply for multiple activities as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each activity.

Q: What is the deadline for submitting an application?
A: Applications must be submitted within six months of completing the activity or project.

Q: How is the approval process conducted?
A: Applications for Activities 1, 2, and 3 are approved by the DIC, while applications for Activities 4, 5, and 6 are reviewed by the State Level Empowered Committee.