The Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa, introduced the “Power Subsidy Scheme” as one of the Information Technology Policy Schemes in 2018. In order to promote investment and growth within Goa’s IT ecosystem, it seeks to offer power subsidies to qualified IT units in the state.
Advantages of the Plan
- Subsidy Amount: 20% electricity bill subsidy (duty and tax excluded), with a yearly ceiling of ₹5,00,000 per unit.
- Time Frame: The subsidy is available for three years after the date this policy is notified or operations begin, whichever comes first.
Conditions
- The budgetary allotment determines the subsidy.
- Benefits may be stopped without promissory estoppel if the allotment is exceeded.
- The only acceptable expenses are those incurred during the insurance period.
Qualifications
- Location: Goa is where units must operate.
- Entity Types:
- Private Limited Companies (as defined by the Companies Act of 2013) and proprietorship firms.
- Public Limited Companies (as defined by the 2013 Companies Act).
- Partnership firms that are registered under the Indian Partnership Act of 1932.
- Partnerships with limited liability (LLPs under the LLP Act, 2008).
- Aadhaar Linkage: The unit’s bank accounts, as well as those of its partners or directors, must be connected to Aadhaar.
Not Included
- Units receiving comparable incentives under other Goa government schemes.
- Units already reaping the benefits under the IT Policy’s Solar Power Subsidy.
Online Application Process Procedure
- Sign up via the Goa Online Portal:
- After going to the portal, select “Register.”
- Use an OTP to confirm your email address and mobile number.
- Create login credentials and complete the required fields.
- Sign in and Submit an Application:
- Go to Services > IT Services after logging in.
- Fill out the application after choosing the “Power Subsidy Scheme” option.
- After uploading the necessary files, submit the application.
- Recognition:
- There will be a unique registration number created. Take note of this for future use.
- Application Frequency:
- After making the necessary expenses, applicants may submit quarterly, biannual, or annual applications.
Disbursement Schedule
- D (Application Receipt): Submission Date
- D+30 Days: Application review in accordance with the checklist.
- D+60 Days: The Empowered Committee’s approval.
- D+90 Days: Issuance of a letter of apology, sanctions, and payment.
Required Records and Documentation
- Copies of the PAN, Aadhaar, and GST TIN are required for the incorporation certificate and new unit registration document.
- The first electricity bill or other comparable evidence of the start of operations, as well as the memorandum and articles of association.
- Office space occupancy certificate.
- Employee information, such as the percentage of employees of Goan origin.
- Bills for electricity throughout the term of the subsidy claim.
- Proof of payment for power bills.
- Aadhaar Udyog.
Commonly Asked Questions
- Overview of Eligibility:
Entities with Aadhaar-linked bank accounts that are active in Goa and registered as legitimate entities (LLPs, proprietorships, etc.). - Exclusions:
Units that receive the Solar Power Subsidy or other Goa Government programs are not eligible. - Benefits of the Subsidy:
Includes a 20% reduction in power costs (duty and tax excluded), with an annual ceiling of ₹5,00,000. - Benefit Duration:
The subsidy is offered for three years following the start of operations or the announcement of the policy. - Allocation Requirements:
Benefits are contingent upon budgetary allocation, and termination of benefits results in no reimbursement. - Application Frequency:
Quarterly, bi-annual, or annual applications are accepted. - Milestones for Disbursement:
Applications are reviewed, approved by the committee, and disbursed within 90 days. - Particular Requirements for Bills:
Eligibility is limited to electricity costs incurred during the policy’s operational period.
The name and address of the unit must be prominently displayed on bills. - Interoperability with Other Plans:
Units that are receiving comparable advantages under the Solar Power Subsidy or elsewhere are not eligible to claim benefits under this plan.
Access to Guidelines
- You can get guidelines via the official Gazette or the Goa Online Portal.
Delay Compensation
- Benefit payout delays are not eligible for reimbursement.
References and Sources
- Official Directives: Portal for Goa Online.
- Contact Information:
- Helpline:
- Support Email: [email protected]