“Additional Incentive on Generation of Employment” is a sub-scheme under “The West Bengal Incentive Scheme 2021”. Launched on 22nd February 2021 by the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal, it remains valid until 31st December 2025.
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Objectives
• Enhance financial assistance for prospective entrepreneurs in tourism
• Encourage self-employment and generate employment
• Provide an additional incentive for contributions toward ESI and EPF schemes
• Support tourism projects/units and eligible Hotel Units in designated areas
Benefits
• Group A, B, C & D areas: Incentive at 60% for 5 years
• Special Areas: Incentive at 60% for 10 years
Eligibility
• Applicable to eligible tourism projects/units or expansion projects established on or after 22nd February 2021
• Also applicable to eligible Hotel Units that began commercial operation between 7th January 2015 and 31st December 2020 (if previous scheme could not be applied due to absence of a bar)
• Units may belong to the private, co-operative, joint sectors, or be owned/managed by the State Government
• Projects must be backed by a detailed feasibility report and approved by a recognized financial institution
• Must hold a Registration Certificate, Date of Commencement Certificate, and Eligibility Certificate issued by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited
Exclusions
• Tourism units already registered and sanctioned incentives under any previous scheme
• Units with pending or pre-disposed applications under WBIS 2015 are eligible only for benefits under that scheme
Application Process
Online Registration Process
• Visit the official Shilpasathi portal and click on ‘Apply online’
• In the sign-up window, click on ‘Create New’ and select the relevant Industry/Business/Commercial/Charitable Society/Govt. entity
• Enter the concerned Registration number and complete the User Registration by filling in all required fields
• If already registered, click on ‘Sign In’ using your User ID, password, and Captcha code
Online Application Process
• Log in on the official Shilpasathi portal with your user name, password, and Captcha code or via mobile number and OTP
• Navigate to the ‘ALL SERVICES’ section on your dashboard
• Check the box adjacent to the service named ‘Tourism Incentive’ and click on ‘Create CAF’ to generate your CAF ID
• Click on ‘Apply Online’ to access the Common Application Form
• Fill in the necessary details and attach all relevant documents
• Verify all information, check the Declaration box, and click ‘Submit’
• Notifications regarding application submission, approval, or rejection will be sent via SMS and email
• After approval, download the Registration Certificate from the system
Helpdesk
• Protiti, 23, Abanindranath Tagore Sarani (Camac Street), Kolkata – 700017, West Bengal, India
• Phone: +91 33 2255 3700
• Fax: +91 33 2255 3737
• Email: [email protected]
• Technical Queries: [email protected]
• Toll Free (Silpa Sathi Single Window Cell): 1800-345-5562
Documents Required
For Registration and Eligibility Certificate (Form I):
• Copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association or Partnership Agreement
• Statement of names and addresses of Directors/Partners/Owners
• Project Report
• Valid No Objection Certificate from the Pollution Control Board
• Valid No Objection Certificate from West Bengal Fire Service
• If applicable, photocopy of the Sanction Letter from a Central/State Financial Institution or Bank
• Copy of the Audited Balance Sheet for the last 3 years with Income Tax acknowledgement
• Estimate for Building and Plant & Machinery vetted by a registered or chartered valuer
• Land Deed and supporting documents (Mutation/ROR, Conversion Certificate, Site Plan, clearance from M.A. Deptt., etc.)
• All applicable clearances from Govt. authorities (Forest, CRZ, Police, etc.)
• Sarai Registration Certificate (if applicable for hotels)
• Valid Trade License
• GST Certificate and GST Return
• Sanctioned Building Plan from the relevant authority
For Additional Incentive on Generation of Employment:
• Copies of documents showing contributions to ESI/EPF
• Statement detailing worker information (name, age, date of appointment, nature of work, employment exchange card number) along with attested copies of the employment exchange card
• Certificate from the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner/Director, ESI as per Annexure-A (downloadable format available)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What areas are classified under “Special Area” for determining incentives?
A: Special Areas are defined based on specific criteria as per the scheme guidelines.
Q: Which districts fall under Zone B for incentive classification?
A: Zone B districts are specified in the scheme’s detailed guidelines.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for incentives under this scheme?
A: Criteria include project setup dates, sector type, feasibility report, financial approvals, and possession of required certificates.
Q: What is the procedure for claiming the Subsidy?
A: Follow the online registration and application process on the Shilpasathi portal and submit all required documents.
Q: What is the significance of area classification into different zones?
A: It determines the incentive duration and eligibility, ensuring targeted support to designated areas.
Q: Can tourism units/projects avail incentives under both this and other state incentive schemes simultaneously?
A: No, units registered under previous schemes are excluded from this incentive.
Q: What is the definition of ‘Tourism Units’?
A: Tourism Units include all eligible projects/units in the tourism sector as defined by the scheme.
Q: What qualifies as an Approved Project?
A: Projects must be approved and sanctioned by a recognized Central/State Financial Institution or Commercial Bank.
Q: Is there any fee for submission of documents for the certificates and subsidies?
A: The scheme does not require a fee for obtaining the Registration and Eligibility Certificates.
Q: How can the status of the submitted application be checked?
A: The status can be monitored via the ‘Check status’ page on the Shilpasathi portal.
Q: Can multiple applications be submitted using the same user login?
A: The portal permits only one active application per user login credential.
Q: How does the State Government verify the eligibility of enterprises?
A: Verification is done through rigorous scrutiny of submitted documents and certificates.
Q: What measures are in place to prevent misuse of the subsidy scheme?
A: Strict verification procedures and compliance checks are enforced as per the scheme guidelines.
Q: Is there an appeal process if an application is rejected?
A: Yes, tourism units can appeal the decision as outlined in the scheme’s grievance redressal mechanism.
Sources and References
• Guidelines (Kolkata Gazette)
• User Manual
• FAQs