The Coir Industry Technology Upgradation Scheme (CITUS) is a component of the Coir Vikas Yojana, launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India. It aims to modernize the coir sector, enhance productivity and quality, and promote eco-friendly production techniques. The scheme supports the creation and upgradation of coir processing units across India.
Nodal Agency:
The Coir Board, Kochi, is the implementing body, through its Regional/Sub-Regional Offices. Technical support is provided by CCRI Kalavoor, CICT Bangalore, and other coir R&D institutes.
Objectives
• Provide modern infrastructure for coir production
• Support new coir processing units
• Spread industry to new areas
• Promote use of raw materials and eco-friendly practices
• Create rural employment, especially for women
• Attract youth entrepreneurs and support IT adoption (ERP)
• Enable production of value-added, customer-centric products
• Improve global competitiveness of the coir industry
Benefits
• 25% financial assistance on eligible plant & machinery costs
• Maximum assistance up to ₹2.50 crore per project/unit
• Reimbursement is through DBT under PFMS, post-installation
• Applicable for new units or expansion using new machinery only
• Assistance is a one-time benefit per unit
• Units exceeding medium-scale MSME investment limits are not eligible
Eligibility
• New or existing coir units (individuals, partnerships, SHGs, co-operatives, private/public sector)
• Registered under Coir Industry (Registration) Rules, 2008
• Must have valid Udyog Aadhaar
• For modernization, unit must have 5 years of operation
• Units should not have availed subsidy under PMEGP, CUY, TUF, DPI, etc. for the same purpose
• Machinery must meet BIS or Coir Board standards
Application Process
Stage 1 – New Login Registration
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Visit www.coirservices.gov.in
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Click “Apply Now” under CITUS
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Choose “New Login Registration”
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Fill in Aadhaar, PAN, email, mobile, and create user credentials
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Note secret question/answer for security
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Confirm details and receive username/password via SMS/email
Stage 2 – Submit DPR
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Log in with credentials
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Change password on first login
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Go to CITUS section and fill the Detailed Project Report (DPR)
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Submit to receive registration number
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On DPR approval, receive In-Principle Approval (IPA)
Stage 3 – Final Application
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Procure and install approved machinery
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Register with Coir Board, get Udyog Aadhaar
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Begin production
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Apply for reimbursement within 1 year of production start
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Track status via portal login
Documents Required
• Udyog Aadhaar Certificate
• Coir Board registration under 2008 Rules
• Aadhaar & PAN of applicant
• Detailed Project Report (DPR)
• Partnership deed / MOA & AOA / NGO/Society registration
• Machinery purchase bills, GST invoices, performance guarantee
• Power connection proof, CA-certified expenditure statement
• Copy of IPA from Coir Board
• Production start proof, Bank account details
• Sanction letter from financial institution
• CA Certificate and Non-availment undertaking
• Attested copies from bank (if originals pledged)
Note: Machinery must comply with BIS/Coir Board standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is CITUS Scheme?
It is a central scheme to provide technology upgradation assistance to coir processing units.
Q: What is the objective of this scheme?
To modernize coir production, improve quality, and make the sector globally competitive.
Q: Which is the implementing agency of this scheme?
The Coir Board, under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.
Q: Who are eligible for the assistance under the scheme CITUS?
Individuals, SHGs, enterprises, and associations engaged in coir production, registered with Coir Board.
Q: Is it necessary for Coir Unit to register with the Coir Board?
Yes, registration under the Coir Industry (Registration) Rules, 2008 is mandatory.
Q: What is the nature of assistance which is provided under scheme?
Financial reimbursement of 25% of the cost of eligible plant and machinery.
Q: What is the purpose of providing financial assistance?
To enable technology adoption, production of high-value products, and environmental compliance.
Q: How the financial assistance will be paid under the scheme?
Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via PFMS, after unit becomes operational.
Q: Which types of entrepreneurs are not eligible for assistance?
Those who have already availed central subsidies under similar schemes for the same project.
Q: How to apply for the scheme?
Via the Coir Services Portal, by submitting DPR, getting IPA, and uploading final application after machinery installation.