Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Subsidy for Work Force Welfare Assistance (WWAS)

The “Subsidy for Work Force Welfare Assistance (WWAS)” is a sub-scheme under the “Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises” scheme, launched on 1st April 2020 by the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles, Government of West Bengal. The scheme remains in force till 31st March 2025.

Objectives of the Banglashree for MSME Scheme

• Encourage entrepreneurs to establish MSMEs

• Promote balanced development across zones

• Build a sustainable MSME ecosystem

• Maximize resource use and employment generation

Objectives of the WWAS Scheme

To reimburse eligible enterprises for contributions made towards ESI and EPF for employees, provided at least 50% of those employees are recruited through the Employment Bank of the State.

Benefits

• 100% reimbursement in the first year

• 75% reimbursement in the remaining years

• Duration of Benefits:

  • Zone B: 5 years

  • Zone C: 7 years

  • Zone D & E: 9 years

• Annual disbursement based on statutory minimums and timely payments

• Definitions as per Employees’ Provident Fund Act, 1952 & Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948

Eligibility

• Must be a Micro, Small or Medium Enterprise in the manufacturing sector

• Should have started production on or after 1st April 2019

• Must be in the private/cooperative/joint sector, or State-managed

• DOCCP must fall between 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2025

Exclusions

• Units that already received incentives under previous state schemes

• Enterprises that commenced production before 01.04.2019

• Negative List:

  • Sponge Iron Factory

  • Certain Bricks Industries

  • Others notified by State Government

Items Excluded in Investment Calculations

• Tools, moulds, jigs, dies

• Installation costs

• Pollution control/R&D equipment

• Electrical and generator equipment

• Storage not linked to the manufacturing process

• Second-hand machinery

Application Process

Online via Shilpasathi Portal

• Registration:

  1. Visit Shilpasathi Portal → Click ‘Apply Online’ → ‘Create New’

  2. Choose applicant type, fill registration details → Submit

• Filing Application:

  1. Log in → ‘ALL SERVICES’ → Select ‘MSME Incentive’

  2. Click ‘Create CAF’ → Get CAF ID → Click ‘Apply Online’

  3. Fill eligibility form → Access and complete the Common Application Form (CAF)

  4. Submit → Fill Form A → Add year-wise subsidy details → Upload documents

  5. Final preview → Submit → Note application reference number

Submission Deadline: Within 12 months from DOCCP or from scheme notification date

Helpdesk

Address: Protiti, 23, Abanindranath Tagore Sarani, Camac Street, Kolkata – 700017
Phone: +91 33 2255 3700
Email: [email protected]
Technical Queries: [email protected]
Helpline (Toll-free): 1800-345-5562

Documents Required

• MOA/AOA or Partnership Deed

• Director/Partner/Owner list

• Approved project report

• Loan sanction & disbursement letters

• Audited balance sheets (last 2 years)

• Plant & machinery list with bills

• Details of existing production (if applicable)

• Land deed or lease/rent agreements

• Mutation & land conversion certificate

• WBPCB Consent to Operate

• SGST, Trade Licence, Electricity Bill

• Udyog Aadhaar Registration

• SC/ST certificate (if applicable)

• Other necessary licenses

• Self-declaration (Para 7.1(vi))

• ESI/EPF contribution records

• Worker list with details

• Certificate from Regional PF Commissioner (Annexure III)

• Certificate from Director, ESI (Annexure III)

• Employment Bank recruitment proof

Sources and References

• Guidelines: Kolkata Gazette

• User Manual

• FAQs (via official portal)