The Special Incentive Allowance Scheme was launched in 2018 by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa, under the Goa IT Policy framework. This scheme provides financial incentives to new and existing IT units in Goa that meet specific operational and employment criteria. The goal is to position Goa as a vibrant IT hub by supporting companies in retaining and expanding their workforce while maintaining inclusive growth.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Department: Department of IT, Goa
• Policy: Part of Goa Start-up/IT Policy 2017
• Applicability: New and Existing IT Units in Goa
• Incentive Frequency: Once every 3 years
• Reimbursement Basis: Based on employee metrics and company growth
• Application Mode: Online via Goa Online Portal
• Evaluation: Annually at end of each Fiscal Year
Benefits
• Smaller Business Units: ₹50,00,000
• Other Business Units: ₹1,00,00,000
• Mega Business Units: ₹2,00,00,000
• Applicable once every three-year period
• Subject to budget allocation
• Only expenditures during policy operation are considered
Eligibility
• Must be a New or Existing Unit operating in Goa
• Registered as:
• Proprietorship Firm
• Private/Public Limited Company
• Registered Partnership Firm
• Limited Liability Partnership
• Company’s and partners’/directors’ bank accounts must be linked with Aadhaar
• Employees counted must be on payroll for >12 months
• In case of expansion, new employees must be on payroll for at least 1 year before application
• Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
• Annual Growth: ≥ 20% per annum for 3 years
• Goan/Goan Graduate Employees: ≥ 75% of total employees
• Female Employees: ≥ 60%
• Employee Certification: 100% of Goan employees certified as per Section 6.4.1
• Company must have at least 1 Quality Certification during the policy period
Note: Units receiving similar incentives under other Goa Government policies are not eligible.
Application Process
Online
• Step 1: Visit the Goa Online Portal
• Step 2: Click “Register”, verify Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP
• Step 3: Complete the registration form with all required details
• Step 4: Login → Navigate to “Services > IT Services”
• Step 5: Select the “Special Incentive Allowance Scheme”
• Step 6: Fill in the application form and upload mandatory documents
• Step 7: Submit the application and note the reference number
Application Frequency: Quarterly, Bi-annually, or Annually based on incurred expenditure
Disbursement Timeline
• D: Application Receipt
• D + 30 Days: Scrutiny as per checklist
• D + 60 Days: Approval by Empowered Committee
• D + 90 Days: Issuance of Sanction/Regret Letter and Fund Disbursement
Documents Required
• Certificate of Incorporation / Unit Registration
• PAN, Aadhaar, GST TIN
• MOA & AOA
• First bill/commencement proof
• Details of employee headcount with Goan/female ratio
• ITRs showing net income and annual growth
• Auditor-certified income report
• Employee certification records
• Quality certification documentation
• Udyog Aadhaar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is employee count calculated for eligibility?
A: Based on employees on the rolls for more than 12 months in a financial year.
Q: What is the annual growth requirement?
A: At least 20% per annum over a continuous 3-year period.
Q: What percentage of employees must be Goans or Goan Graduates?
A: A minimum of 75%.
Q: What is the female employee requirement?
A: Minimum of 60% female employees.
Q: How often are units evaluated?
A: Annually at the end of each fiscal year.
Q: What is the incentive for Smaller Business Units?
A: ₹50,00,000 every three years.
Q: What is the incentive for Other Business Units?
A: ₹1,00,00,000 every three years.
Q: What is the incentive for Mega Business Units?
A: ₹2,00,00,000 every three years.
Q: Are scheme benefits guaranteed?
A: No, they are subject to budgetary allocation.
Q: What type of expenditure is eligible?
A: Only expenses incurred during the operation of the policy period.
Q: Where can I access the scheme guidelines?
A: On the Goa Online Portal under “Guidelines”.
Sources and References
• Guidelines
• Contact Us
• User Manual for Business Entity
• Track Application Status via Goa Online Portal