The Biponi Scheme, launched by the Government of Assam, empowers small businesses, farmers, and artisans by fostering a competitive market ecosystem. It focuses on rural and semi-urban areas, providing financial support, infrastructure development, and market linkages to boost income and employment opportunities.
Key Benefits
- Exhibition/Trade Fair Participation Support:
- Within Assam:
- ₹5,000 for stall rent.
- Daily Allowance (DA): ₹50 per stall/day.
- Outside Assam:
- ₹15,000 for stall rent.
- DA: ₹500 per stall/day.
- 2nd-class railway fare for two representatives.
- International Participation:
- Financial assistance for global exhibitions (specific guidelines apply).
- Within Assam:
- Infrastructure Development:
- Subsidies for godowns, storage facilities, and market yards.
- Credit facilities for working capital.
- Skill Development:
- Training programs for marketing, financial management, and product quality enhancement.
Eligibility Criteria
- Location: Business/unit must be in rural Assam.
- Operational Status: Existing unit with 2+ years of continuous operation.
- Workshed: Own production facility required.
- Age: Applicants must be 18–50 years old.
- Education: No formal qualification required.
How to Apply
Step 1: Download the application form from the official portal or collect it from the District Industries and Commerce Centre.
Step 2: Fill the form and attach required documents.
Applicant Details:
- Name & Complete Address (with phone number and email, if available)
- Father’s/Husband’s Name
- District & Block Name
- EM Registration Number
- Factory Address
- Caste Category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)
- Date of Commencement of Commercial Production
- Bank Details (Bank Name, A/C Number, IFSC Code)
- Previous Experience in Trade Fairs (if applicable)
- Awards/Recognition in Trade Fairs (if applicable)
- Trade Fair Details (including fair name, date, and location)
- Stall Rent Quotation from the fair organization
Step 3: Submit to the District Industries and Commerce Centre.
Documents Required
- One Passport-size Photograph
- Copy of Industry Registration
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Training Certificate (if available)
- Cancelled Cheque with the name of the proprietor printed
- Quotation for Stall Rent from the fair organization
Implementation of the Scheme
A) Marketing Promotion within Assam
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Identification of Key Events:
The General Manager of the District Industries & Commerce Centre will identify major events and exhibitions held within the districts that attract large numbers of visitors. These events include:- Rash Mohotsav (Nalbari)
- Asom Sahitya Sabha Annual Event
- Bodo Sahitya Sabha Annual Event
- Ambubashi Mela at Kamakhya
- Doul Utsav at Barpeta and Batradava
- Srimanta Sankar Sangha Annual Event
- Sivaratri Mela at Sivasagar, etc. This list is suggestive and not exhaustive.
-
Selection of Participants:
A total of 100 participants from across the districts will be selected to participate in these events/exhibitions. -
Stall Arrangement:
The General Manager will coordinate with event organizers to arrange stalls for selected participants. The government will provide Rs. 5,000 per entrepreneur towards stall rent, which will be paid directly to the event organizers. -
Travel and Lodging Assistance:
For participants from other districts, the scheme offers a lump sum of Rs. 500 per day to cover Travel, Food, and Lodging during the fair period. -
Sponsorship to Other Districts:
The General Manager can sponsor participants to attend events outside their district. The Commissioner of Industries & Commerce will decide the district-wise targets based on population data.
B) Marketing Promotion Outside Assam
-
List of National Level Exhibitions:
The Commissioner, Industries & Commerce, will prepare a list of National-level exhibitions held outside Assam, such as Suraj Kund Mela, Dilli Haat, and India International Gift Fair. -
Selection Process:
Participants will be selected based on the quality of their products and their past performance in exhibitions held within Assam. -
Financial Support:
The selected participants will be reimbursed 50% of the stall rent (up to Rs. 10,000) and sleeper class train fare for two individuals. Additionally, Rs. 300 per person per day will be provided for food and lodging during the fair period. -
Accompanying Department Officer:
If more than 10 participants attend a single fair, a department officer may accompany them, and their TA & DA will be covered by the scheme.
C) Marketing Promotion Outside India
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Promotion of “Brand Assam”:
For promoting “Brand Assam”, a basket of products will be identified for international marketing. -
International Fairs and Exhibitions:
The Commissioner, Industries & Commerce, will prepare a list of international fairs suitable for promoting the identified products. -
Selection of Participants:
Participants will be selected based on product quality and past performances in both local and international fairs. -
Support Provided:
Selected participants will receive free stall space (on a sharing basis) and economy class airfare for one person. Additionally, Rs. 1,000 per person per day will be provided for food and lodging during the international fair. -
Accompanying Officers:
The TA & DA of accompanying officers will be borne by the scheme.
Advertisement and Publicity
The scheme also emphasizes adequate publicity and advertisement to promote Assam’s investment potential. This includes:
- Setting up a departmental stall in major fairs.
- Printing brochures and booklets about the scheme.
- Publicizing participant profiles.
The cost of publicity and advertisement will be covered by the scheme.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Biponi Scheme?
A: It provides financial aid, infrastructure, and training to small businesses, farmers, and artisans in Assam.
Q2: What is the maximum stall rent subsidy outside Assam?
A: ₹15,000 for stall rent + ₹500/day DA.
Q3: Can startups apply?
A: No, only units operational for 2+ years are eligible.
Q4: Is there an age limit?
A: Yes, applicants must be 18–50 years old.
Official Guidelines
For detailed guidelines, visit:
Assam Industries & Commerce Department