The Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Large Industries and Thrust Sector is a strategic initiative by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat, launched to support the state’s large industry sector. The scheme, effective from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027, aims to foster industrial growth, employment, GDP contribution, and export development in Gujarat.
The “EPF Reimbursement” component provides financial assistance to eligible large industrial undertakings for the Employer’s Provident Fund (EPF) contribution for new employees. This assistance is available for a maximum period of 10 years from the commencement of commercial production.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Launched by: Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat
• Duration: October 5, 2022 – October 4, 2027
• Assistance Type: Reimbursement of employer’s EPF contribution for new employees
• Maximum Support: Reimbursement capped at 12% of the employee’s basic salary plus DA or ₹1800 per month, whichever is lower
• Support Duration: Available for up to 10 years from commercial production commencement
• Eligibility: Large industrial units with significant investment and employment
Benefits
• 100% reimbursement of employer’s EPF contribution for eligible new employees
• Financial ceiling per employee: Capped at 12% of basic salary + DA or ₹1800 per month
• Long-term support: Reimbursement available for up to 10 years from the start of commercial production
Eligibility
• The applicant must be a new large industrial undertaking, or an existing unit undertaking expansion or diversification
• The unit must have obtained acknowledgment/registration from DPIIT
• The unit must commence commercial production within the operative period of the scheme
• Only new employees (those without a Universal Account Number or UAN before joining the unit) are eligible
• The unit must not have availed EPF reimbursement under any central or state government schemes for the same period
Exclusions
• Units that have already availed EPF reimbursement under any other government scheme will not be eligible for EPF reimbursement under this scheme for that period.
Application Process
Online
• Step 1: Visit the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) and click on “New Investor Registration” to fill out the registration form
• Step 2: Fill in the registration form and submit it
• Step 3: Verify your email using the link sent to your registered email
• Step 4: Once verified, your registration is complete
Post-Registration Process
• Step 1: Visit the IFP portal again and click on “Login”
• Step 2: Enter your registered email and password
• Step 3: Fill in the required details and upload the necessary documents for application
• Step 4: Submit the application for EPF reimbursement
Documents Required
• Proof of new UAN account for each employee (one-time submission for every unique UAN)
• Provisional Eligibility Certificate (if applicable)
• Final Eligibility Certificate (if applicable)
• Summary and Detailed Employment Statement
• Attendance Register / Salary Register for the last month of the claim period
• Details of Apprentice (if applicable)
• Salary Slip for all employees for whom EPF reimbursement is claimed
• Proof of EPF payments
• CA Certified details of basic salary, DA, and retaining allowances (as per prescribed format)
• Bank Statement for salary payments
• Valid CCA from GPCB (if applicable)
• Board Resolution / Power of Attorney / Authority Letter for authorized signatory
• Affidavit in the prescribed format
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the “Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Large Industries and Thrust Sector”?
A: It is a scheme launched by the Government of Gujarat to support large industries and thrust sectors with financial assistance for EPF reimbursement of new employees.
Q: When is the scheme operative?
A: The scheme is effective from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027.
Q: What are the objectives of the scheme?
A: To promote large industries, boost employment, and enhance Gujarat’s industrial growth and exports.
Q: Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?
A: Large industrial units that meet the investment, employment, and other criteria set by the scheme.
Q: What is the “EPF Reimbursement” component?
A: It is a component that provides financial assistance to large industries for the employer’s contribution to the EPF for new employees.
Q: Who is eligible for EPF Reimbursement?
A: Large industrial units in Gujarat that meet the eligibility criteria for new employees who do not have a UAN before joining the unit.
Q: How much can an employer claim as EPF reimbursement?
A: Employers can claim 100% of the employer’s EPF contribution, up to 12% of basic salary + DA or ₹1800 per month, whichever is lower.
Q: For how long can an employer avail the EPF reimbursement?
A: The reimbursement is available for up to 10 years from the date of commencement of commercial production.
Q: What defines a new employee under this scheme?
A: A new employee is one who does not have a Universal Account Number (UAN) before joining the unit.
Q: Can an employer claim reimbursement for existing employees?
A: No, only new employees who meet the UAN criteria are eligible.
Q: How often can an employer claim the EPF reimbursement?
A: Claims can be made annually for eligible employees during the operative period.
Q: What is the maximum amount of reimbursement per employee?
A: The reimbursement is capped at 12% of basic salary + DA or ₹1800 per month, whichever is lower.
Q: Can an employer claim EPF reimbursement if they have already received assistance under another scheme?
A: No, the scheme does not allow EPF reimbursement if the unit has already availed it under any other scheme for the same period.
Q: Are there any conditions for claiming EPF reimbursement?
A: Yes, conditions include being a registered large industry, hiring new employees, and not availing reimbursement from other schemes.
Q: Can an employer apply for reimbursement before starting commercial production?
A: No, reimbursement is only available after the unit has commenced commercial production.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of employees eligible for EPF reimbursement?
A: There is no specific limit on the number of employees, but each employee must meet the eligibility criteria.
Q: What happens if an employer fails to submit EPF payment receipts on time?
A: Delays in submission may result in the denial or postponement of reimbursement.
Sources and References
• Guidelines
• Document Checklist
• Online Application Portal