Arunachal Pradesh District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF): Benefits

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District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF) is an innovative initiative by the Finance, Planning, and Investment Department (Planning & Investment Division), Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The scheme focuses on promoting competitiveness, innovation, and community participation in filling infrastructural gaps and improving developmental interventions across the districts.

Objectives

  1. Instill competitiveness among Deputy Commissioners for developmental initiatives.
  2. Promote innovative design, planning, and implementation of critical infrastructure.
  3. Introduce cutting-edge technologies to address infrastructural gaps.
  4. Foster participation of Deputy Commissioners in major infrastructural projects.
  5. Build partnerships between the State Government and local communities.
  6. Enhance community involvement in developmental projects.
  7. Deliver measurable outcomes from State policies and resource allocation.

Key Benefits

  • Encourages Innovation: Promotes creative solutions for infrastructural challenges using advanced technologies.
  • Problem-Solving: Prioritizes projects solving critical district-specific issues innovatively.
  • Employment Impact: Supports projects with long-term employment generation.
  • Sustainability: Focuses on solutions with enduring value.
  • Value Addition: Improves product value in sectors like agriculture, horticulture, textiles, and handicrafts.
  • Transparency: Ensures accountability in funding and implementation processes.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for funding, projects must:

  1. Be innovative and solve critical district problems using advanced or unique technology.
  2. Directly address a need or harness district potential for community benefit.
  3. Generate employment and ensure revenue for the community and State.
  4. Add value to district products, especially in agriculture, horticulture, and handicrafts.

Exclusions:

  • Routine or maintenance projects.
  • Events, workshops, or festivals.
  • Religious-focused projects.
  • Duplicative efforts covered by existing State/Central schemes.
  • Late submissions beyond the prescribed deadline.

Assessment Criteria

Weightage Breakdown

  1. Innovation (40%)
    • Is the project addressing unique infrastructural challenges innovatively?
    • Does it solve critical district problems using advanced technology?
  2. Project Planning (20%)
    • Does the project have clear goals and a realistic timeline?
    • Does it leverage partnerships or converge resources from other schemes?
  3. Budget (20%)
    • Is the budget well-prepared and aligned with the project scope?
    • Are quotes and DPR (as per APSoR) included?
  4. Social Impact (10%)
    • Does it generate employment and involve community participation?
  5. Sustainability (10%)
    • Is there a clear plan for long-term improvements?

Application Process

Submission Mode

Proposals can be submitted offline via:

  • Email
  • Special Messenger
  • Post to:
    Secretary (Planning & Investment)
    Finance, Planning & Investment Department
    4th Floor, 1st Block, Arunachal Pradesh Civil Secretariat, Itanagar.

Note: Late applications will not be accepted.

Assessment Steps

  1. Screening Committee: Applications reviewed by the State-Level Screening Committee.
  2. Presentation by Deputy Commissioners: Detailed presentations on project proposals.
  3. Evaluation: Proposals prioritized based on assessment criteria.
  4. Recommendations: Submitted to the Hon’ble Minister of Finance & Planning.

Required Documents

  1. Supporting evidence of the identified need.
  2. A detailed budget and DPR.
  3. Non-duplicity and land availability certificates (if applicable).
  4. Community engagement and sustainability plans.
  5. Convergence plans with other schemes (optional).

Upon Selection:

  • Quarterly Progress Reports (Annex-II).
  • Project Completion Report (Annex-III).
  • Signed undertakings for project completion, budget adherence, and acknowledgments.

FAQs

  1. What is the full name of DICF?
    District Innovation and Challenge Fund.
  2. Who manages DICF?
    Finance, Planning & Investment Department.
  3. Are late submissions allowed?
    No, late applications will not be accepted.
  4. How much weightage is given to Innovation?
    Innovation has 40% weightage, the highest among assessment criteria.
  5. Is a sustainability plan mandatory?
    It is optional but highly recommended.
  6. Where to submit proposals?
    Submit to the Secretary (Planning & Investment), Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.

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