The Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for MSMEs is an initiative by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat aimed at strengthening the state’s MSME sector, which plays a crucial role in the economy. Launched on October 5, 2022, this scheme is active until October 4, 2027. The Assistance for Technology Acquisition component provides financial support to enterprises for acquiring necessary technology, covering up to 85% of the technology acquisition cost, including royalty payments for the first 2 years.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Launched by: Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat
• Duration: October 5, 2022 – October 4, 2027
• Assistance Type: Financial support for technology acquisition
• Coverage: Up to 85% of acquisition cost (includes royalties for 2 years)
• Maximum Financial Support: ₹50,00,000
• Eligibility for Prior Costs: Enterprises are eligible for assistance on expenses incurred under previous schemes
Benefits
• Covers 65% of the technology acquisition cost
• Maximum assistance of ₹50,00,000, including royalty payments for two years
• Enterprises can claim prior costs for technology acquisition under the previous scheme during the operative period
Eligibility
• The enterprise must be a Micro, Small, or Medium enterprise
• Must have received acknowledgment or registration from Ministry of MSME or DPIIT
• New manufacturing enterprises or those undergoing expansion/diversification are eligible
• The enterprise must commence commercial production during the scheme’s operative period
Application Process
Online
• Step 1: Visit the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP). Click on “New Investor Registration”
• Step 2: Complete the registration form and click “Submit”
• Step 3: Verify your email via the link sent to your registered email
• Step 4: Once verified, you are successfully registered
Post-Registration Process
• Step 1: Visit the IFP portal again and click on “Login”
• Step 2: Enter the email and password used during registration
• Step 3: Complete the application with required business details and documents
• Step 4: Submit the application
Documents Required
• Udyam/IEM/LOI Registration certificate
• Constitution of the enterprise (e.g., Memorandum of Association, Partnership Deed)
• Power of Attorney/Board Resolution/Consent Letter for the authorized signatory
• Signed & stamped MOU/Agreement/Contract for technology acquisition
• Patent certificate for technology (if applicable)
• CA certificate regarding fixed capital investment
• Bills of expenditure incurred for technology acquisition
• Bank statement highlighting relevant expenses
• Shareholding pattern (if applicable)
• Brief description of the technology with expected outcomes
• Latest audited balance sheet or annual audit report
• Project report or technical presentation on the technology
• Bank’s term loan details (if applicable)
• PAN card for the enterprise and authorized signatory
• GST registration certificate (if applicable)
• Technology provider’s report
• GPCB consent (if applicable)
• Proposed cost of the technology acquisition and financing plan
• Supporting documents for SC/ST enterprise (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the “Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to MSMEs”?
A: It is a scheme launched to support MSMEs in Gujarat by providing financial assistance for acquiring technology to enhance their manufacturing capabilities.
Q: When is the scheme operative?
A: From October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027.
Q: What are the objectives of the scheme?
A: To promote technology adoption and innovation in MSMEs, thus boosting production capabilities and fostering self-reliance in Gujarat.
Q: What are some initiatives included in the scheme?
A: The primary initiative under the scheme is Assistance for Technology Acquisition.
Q: What is the primary objective of the “Assistance for Technology Acquisition” scheme-component?
A: To provide financial support to MSMEs for acquiring new or upgraded technologies to improve their production processes.
Q: Who is eligible for the “Assistance for Technology Acquisition” scheme?
A: Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises registered with MSME or DPIIT and involved in new manufacturing or expansion.
Q: How much financial assistance does the scheme provide?
A: The scheme covers 65% of the technology acquisition cost with a maximum assistance of ₹50,00,000.
Q: Can enterprises receive assistance for purchasing plant and machinery under this scheme?
A: Yes, if it is directly related to technology acquisition.
Q: Is the scheme open to acquiring patented technologies?
A: Yes, patented technologies are eligible under this scheme.
Q: What is the deadline for obtaining prior approval from the MSME Commissionerate?
A: The prior approval should be obtained before applying for the scheme.
Q: Can enterprises apply for this scheme if they acquired technology during the previous scheme period?
A: Yes, prior costs incurred under the previous scheme period are eligible for assistance.
Q: Are royalty payments eligible for assistance?
A: Yes, the scheme covers royalty payments for up to 2 years.
Q: What type of technologies are eligible under the scheme?
A: Any technology that helps improve the product or process in manufacturing is eligible.
Q: Can enterprises get assistance if they already have technology in place?
A: Yes, but the existing technology must be upgraded or replaced.
Q: Is it mandatory to submit an agreement with the technology provider?
A: Yes, a signed and stamped agreement is necessary to claim assistance.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the types of technology providers that enterprises can engage with?
A: No, as long as the technology is relevant and properly documented, any provider can be engaged.
Q: Can the scheme be applied to enterprises that have already started acquiring technology before the scheme was launched?
A: Yes, but prior approval is required for technology acquired before the scheme launch.
Q: What are the key conditions for receiving assistance under this scheme?
A: The enterprise must be registered, meet the eligibility criteria, and comply with the application process.
Sources and References
• Guidelines 1
• Guidelines 2
• Online Application Portal
• Document Checklist