Launched in 2008 by the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Government of Goa, the Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 aimed to encourage women-led industrial units through interest subsidies, employment incentives, and preferential capital support. The scheme remained in effect until 31st March 2011 and supported proprietary or partnership firms with specific women-ownership conditions.
Benefits
1. Interest Subsidy
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Applicable from the quarter preceding the quarter of first commercial production.
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Available for 5 years (20 quarters).
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Limited to 1% of net turnover or 30% of interest paid, whichever is less, up to ₹5,00,000 per annum.
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Enhanced limit: 2% of turnover or 35% of interest paid, with a ceiling of ₹8,00,000 per annum.
2. Additional Benefits
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5% extra benefit under the Local Employment Subsidy Scheme.
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Preference under Capital Contribution and Special Capital Contribution Schemes.
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Amount disbursed within 6 months from application receipt by the Task Force Committee.
Eligibility
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Only proprietary and partnership concerns were eligible.
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100% ownership required for proprietary concerns.
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For partnerships: women must own at least 51%, and remaining 49% cannot be entirely held by husband, father, brother, or son.
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At least one additional (non-relative) partner required in partnerships.
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Unit must have started production/service after the scheme was published.
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Preference given under capital contribution schemes.
Application Process
Offline Mode
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Applicant needed to claim benefits in the specified format.
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Applicable rules and procedures of the base schemes had to be followed.
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The Task Force Committee (Industries Dept., Finance Dept., industry bodies) scrutinized applications within 3 months.
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Claims had to be submitted after financial year closure and before 31st May.
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Claims not submitted or admitted by 31st May lapsed, but future eligibility remained intact.
Documents Required
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Certificate from a nationalized bank or recognized financial institution showing total interest paid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q: What were the eligibility criteria for proprietary concerns under the scheme?
A: The concern must be 100% owned by a woman entrepreneur. -
Q: Was there any condition regarding additional partners in partnership firms?
A: Yes, at least one partner must not be a close male relative. -
Q: What was the maximum interest subsidy provided under the scheme?
A: ₹5,00,000 per annum under standard provisions. -
Q: Was there any increase in the interest subsidy limit for eligible units?
A: Yes, it was increased to ₹8,00,000 per annum for enhanced cases. -
Q: For how long was the interest subsidy benefit available under the scheme?
A: For 5 years or 20 quarters. -
Q: What additional benefits were provided under the Local Employment Subsidy Scheme?
A: 5% additional benefit over the base scheme. -
Q: Were there any preferential benefits under the Capital Contribution Scheme?
A: Yes, women entrepreneurs were given preference. -
Q: What was the deadline for filing claims under the scheme?
A: Claims had to be filed before 31st May after the financial year ended. -
Q: What documents were required to file a claim under the scheme?
A: A certificate showing total interest paid issued by a bank or financial institution. -
Q: Who scrutinized and recommended the applications under the scheme?
A: The Task Force Committee comprising government and industry representatives. -
Q: Within how many months was the amount payable disbursed after application receipt?
A: Within 6 months. -
Q: Was there any relaxation in ownership criteria for partnership firms?
A: No; specific ownership and partner conditions applied. -
Q: Was there any financial limit on the additional benefits provided under the scheme?
A: Yes, the interest subsidy was capped at ₹5,00,000 or ₹8,00,000 depending on eligibility.