Launched under the New Industrial Policy 2016 on 4th October 2016 by the Industries and Commerce Department of the Union Territory of Puducherry, this scheme recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe communities. The “Outstanding SC/ST Entrepreneur” award is part of the State Awards initiative aimed at motivating entrepreneurs to start industries and provide fiscal assistance to enterprises in the MSME sector. The scheme operates across the entire UT of Puducherry, with applications accepted offline in the prescribed form available on the Official Website of the Department.
Benefits
- Cash Award:
- ₹2,00,000/- (Rupees Two Lakhs only)
- Citation:
- A formal citation recognizing the entrepreneur’s achievement
Eligibility
- Operational Period:
- The industrial unit must have been functioning profitably for at least 3 years prior to the application date.
- Community Criterion:
- The entrepreneur must belong to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community.
- Employment Provision:
- The unit must provide employment to at least 60% of the total workforce from the residents of the UT of Puducherry.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Announcement:
- The Director of Industries will invite applications for the award through wide publicity.
- Form Collection:
- Industrial units must obtain the prescribed application form from the Official Website of the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Puducherry.
- Form Completion:
- Fill in all mandatory fields and attach self-attested copies of the required documents.
- Submission:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned authority either in person or by post.
Post-Application Process
- Scrutiny:
- The Directorate of Industries and Commerce will scrutinize the applications on a merit basis.
- Committee Review:
- An Award Committee will evaluate the merits of each case.
- Notification:
- The list of selected enterprises will be notified by the Director of Industries, and the awardees will be informed to collect their awards.
Documents Required
- Entrepreneur’s Memorandum Part-2 (UAM/PMT) Registration or Commencement of Production Certificate.
- Community Certificate:
- Obtained from the Revenue Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is there any provision for additional members to be included in the Committee?
The scheme guidelines detail the composition of the Award Committee; any changes would be subject to official notifications. -
Are the decisions of the Committee subject to review or appeal?
Decisions are final, though the scheme guidelines may outline an appellate process for grievances. -
Can enterprises from any sector apply for these awards?
The awards target MSMEs aligned with the New Industrial Policy 2016, so eligible sectors are specified under this policy. -
How does the Directorate of Industries and Commerce notify selected enterprises about their eligibility for the awards?
Selected enterprises are notified by the Director of Industries via official communication channels. -
What are the key objectives of the New Industrial Policy, 2016?
The policy aims to foster entrepreneurship, support industrial growth in MSMEs, and promote socio-economic development. -
Is there a time frame within which enterprises must apply for these awards?
Specific application deadlines are provided in the public notification and guidelines. -
Can enterprises that have previously received awards under similar schemes apply again?
Eligibility for reapplication is determined by the scheme guidelines; typically, enterprises can reapply if they meet the criteria. -
How does the scheme contribute to the socio-economic development of Puducherry?
By recognizing and rewarding outstanding entrepreneurs, the scheme encourages innovation, job creation, and growth within the MSME sector. -
How does the scheme encourage entrepreneurship among marginalized communities?
It specifically targets SC/ST entrepreneurs, providing financial awards and recognition to promote industrial and economic empowerment. -
Can enterprises operating in the informal sector apply for these awards?
The scheme is primarily designed for formal MSMEs as defined under the New Industrial Policy, 2016. -
Does the scheme provide any non-monetary benefits to award recipients?
In addition to the cash award, recipients receive a citation acknowledging their achievements. -
What measures are in place to ensure transparency and fairness in the awarding process?
The application and evaluation processes are governed by strict guidelines and are subject to scrutiny by the Award Committee.