The Market Development Support Assistance is a component of the broader scheme “Motivation of Entrepreneurs to Start Industries and Fiscal Assistance to Industries – Various Incentives” by the Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Puducherry. Introduced on 1st April 2017, the scheme supports Micro, Small, Medium, and Large Industries by offering financial reimbursement for participation in international trade fairs. This aims to promote product visibility, brand recognition, and market expansion for industries from the Union Territory.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Effective Date: 1st April 2017
• Implementing Body: Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Puducherry
• Type of Support: Reimbursement
• Purpose: Participation in international trade fairs
• Maximum Assistance: ₹5,00,000
• Application Mode: Offline
• Assistance: 50% of total expenditure on stall rent, literature, and display material
Benefits
• Reimbursement of 50% of total expenses incurred on stall rent, printing of promotional literature, and display material
• Maximum subsidy ceiling: ₹5,00,000
• Disbursal:
• Through financial institutions/banks (if unit is financed)
• Directly to entrepreneurs (if self-financed)
• Disbursement may be in single or multiple installments depending on fund availability
Eligibility
• All Micro, Small, Medium, and Large industrial units
• Investment must be made on or after 1st April 2017
• Must provide at least 60% local employment to Puducherry residents
• Must obtain prior approval from the Director of Industries for participation in the trade fair
• Unit should not transfer fixed assets (including plant & machinery) for at least 5 years
• Multiple claims allowed for new/existing units within the ceiling limit
Special Provision:
• Multiple units set up by the same proprietor or entity can claim subsidy separately if they are located at different sites and have independent registrations
Exclusions
• Investment already subsidized by Central/State Government or other agencies is not eligible again under this scheme
Application Process
Offline
• Step 1: Download and fill the prescribed form from the Official Website of Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Puducherry
• Step 2: Attach required documents and self-attest if necessary
• Step 3: Submit the application to the concerned authority and collect acknowledgment
• Step 4: The application is reviewed and placed before the State Level Committee for approval
• Step 5: Approved subsidies are disbursed accordingly
Application Deadline
• New Units: Apply within 1 year from the date of production commencement or registration
• Existing Units: Apply within 1 year of completing expansion/diversification/modernization
Documents Required
• EM Part-2 (UAM/PMT)/Production Certificate
• CA Certificate for payment to certifying agency or exhibition organizer
• Approval from Director of Industries for trade fair participation
• Bills and invoices for printing/display materials
• Payment receipts for exhibition space/literature
• Original copies of printed promotional materials
• Photographs of exhibition stall
• Membership proof with Export Promotion Council/FIEO
• Energy/water audit reports (if applicable)
• Duly signed affidavit and production/employment details
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is required for all claims to be supported?
A: Valid documents, proof of expenses, prior approvals, and CA certificates.
Q: How much employment must be provided to residents of Puducherry?
A: At least 60% of total employment.
Q: What is the role of the State Level Committee?
A: It evaluates applications and recommends eligible subsidies.
Q: Who sanctions the subsidies?
A: The Director of Industries based on the Committee’s recommendation.
Q: When must the full subsidy be refunded?
A: If the unit is found misusing the subsidy or violates scheme conditions.
Q: How is the subsidy paid to self-financed units?
A: Directly to the entrepreneur/unit.
Q: What happens if the unit has availed another subsidy for the same investment?
A: It becomes ineligible under this scheme.
Q: Can units with common ownership claim multiple subsidies?
A: Yes, if they operate from different locations and have separate registrations.
Q: How is the date of commencement determined?
A: Verified by Industries Department officials.
Q: What expenses are reimbursed?
A: Stall rent, literature, display materials (50%, up to ₹5,00,000).
Sources and References
• Guidelines
• Application Form & Documents Required
• Grievance Redressal
• Helpline