The Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for MSMEs is an umbrella initiative launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat. This scheme aims to empower the state’s MSME sector, which plays a crucial role in employment, GDP, and exports. Effective from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027, it focuses on promoting growth, investments, and supporting the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Gujarat” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
The “EPF Reimbursement to MSMEs” component reimburses the employer’s statutory contribution under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) for new employees in Gujarat.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Launched by: Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat
• Duration: October 5, 2022 – October 4, 2027
• Assistance Type: 100% reimbursement of employer’s EPF contribution
• Maximum Reimbursement: 12% of basic salary + DA or ₹1800 per employee per month, whichever is lower
• Support Duration: Available up to 10 years from the start of commercial production
• Eligibility: Micro/Small/Medium enterprises
Benefits
• 100% Reimbursement of employer’s EPF contribution for new employees
• Maximum reimbursement of ₹1800 per employee per month or 12% of basic salary + DA
• Assistance available for up to 10 years from the date of commercial production
• The scheme aims to reduce financial burdens on MSMEs hiring new employees
Eligibility
• Micro/Small/Medium enterprises (MSMEs)
• Must have obtained acknowledgment or registration from Ministry of MSME or DPIIT
• Eligible for new manufacturing enterprises or those expanding/diversifying
• Enterprise must commence commercial production during the scheme’s operative period
• Must not have claimed EPF reimbursement under other schemes for the same period
Exclusions
• MSMEs that have already availed EPF reimbursement under any central/state government schemes or agencies for the same period cannot claim reimbursement under this scheme.
Application Process
Online
• Step 1: Visit the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP)
• Step 2: Click “New Investor Registration” and fill out the registration form
• Step 3: Verify your email via the link sent to your registered email
• Step 4: Complete registration
Post-Registration Process
• Step 1: Visit the IFP portal and click “Login”
• Step 2: Use your registered email and password to log in
• Step 3: Complete the application by providing necessary business details and documents
• Step 4: Submit the completed application
Documents Required
• Printed copy of the application form with a signed declaration by the authorized person
• Udyam/IEM/LOI Registration certificate
• Constitution of the enterprise (e.g., Memorandum of Association, Partnership Deed)
• CA certificate for fixed capital investment
• CA certified detailed expenditure statement for ERP system installation
• Undertaking for assistance from GOG and GOI (if applicable)
• Bill of expenditure incurred
• Highlighted bank statement
• ERP system installation certificate from the supplier
• GPCB NOC/Consent & other department approvals (if applicable)
• Brief description of ERP modules installed
• Self-certified shareholding pattern
• PAN card copies of the enterprise, promoters/directors, authorized signatory
• Cancelled cheque for bank details
• GST registration certificate (if applicable)
• Latest audited balance sheet or annual report
• Latest electricity bill
• Self-attested documents by authorized person (Power of attorney, Board resolution, consent letter)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the “Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to MSMEs”?
A: It is a scheme aimed at supporting MSMEs in Gujarat by offering financial assistance, including EPF reimbursement for new employees.
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 empower MSMEs, promote employment, and enhance economic growth in Gujarat.
Q: What are some initiatives included in the scheme?
A: The scheme includes components like EPF reimbursement, technology acquisition support, and other financial incentives for MSMEs.
Q: What is the purpose of this component?
A: To reimburse MSMEs for the employer’s statutory EPF contributions for new employees.
Q: Who is eligible for the scheme?
A: MSMEs registered with the Ministry of MSME or DPIIT and that meet other eligibility criteria, such as commencement of production during the operative period.
Q: What does “new employee” mean under this scheme?
A: An employee who is newly hired by the MSME during the operative period of the scheme.
Q: What is the reimbursement period under the scheme?
A: Up to 10 years from the start of commercial production.
Q: How much EPF reimbursement can an enterprise claim per employee?
A: Up to 12% of basic salary + DA or ₹1800 per employee per month, whichever is lower.
Q: Is the scheme applicable to employees working outside Gujarat?
A: No, the scheme is only applicable to employees working within Gujarat.
Q: Can an enterprise claim EPF reimbursement under multiple schemes?
A: No, if the enterprise has already availed EPF reimbursement under other government schemes, it cannot claim under this scheme for the same period.
Q: What are the key conditions for reimbursement?
A: The enterprise must be eligible, must have registered new employees, and must comply with application processes and documentation.
Q: How is the reimbursement processed?
A: The reimbursement will be processed and credited to the enterprise after submission of required claims and documents.
Q: Can MSMEs with existing employees benefit from this scheme?
A: No, only new employees hired during the scheme’s operative period are eligible for EPF reimbursement.
Sources and References
• Guidelines 1
• Guidelines 2
• Online Application Portal
• Document Checklist