AGSMEPF

Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Mega Industries: EPF Reimbursement

The "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Mega Industries" aims to strengthen the overall industrial ecosystem in the State and also enable a larger set of manufacturing companies to emulate the adoption of clean energy and make them future-ready to compete in global markets.

State Cash

States / UT: Gujarat

Nodal department: Industries and Mines Department

Scheme for: Infra

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Scheme open date: 2022-10-05

Categories: Business & Entrepreneurship

Sub-categories: Setting up / start-up / entrepreneurship

Target beneficiaries: Business Entity, Industries

Tags: Business, Entrepreneurship, Mega Industries, Thrust Manufacturing Sector, EPF Reimbursement

Details

The "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Mega Industries" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat. It aims to empower the state's dynamic mega-industry sector, which significantly contributes to employment, GDP, and exports. Effective from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2032, this initiative supports growth, investments, and the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat."
The component "EPF Reimbursement" offers financial support to eligible Mega Industrial Units in Gujarat by reimbursing the employer's contribution to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) for new employees.

Benefits

  • - Reimbursement: 100% reimbursement of employer’s statutory EPF contribution.- Incentive Ceiling: 12% of basic salary + DA or ₹1800/- per month, whichever is lower
  • Reimbursement: 100% reimbursement of employer’s statutory EPF contribution.- Incentive Ceiling: 12% of basic salary + DA or ₹1800/- per month, whichever is lower.

Eligibility

  • The mega industry must operate as a manufacturing unit.
  • The unit must have a minimum investment of ₹2,500/- crore in plant and machinery.
  • The unit must provide direct employment to at least 2,500 persons.
  • The unit must belong to one of the thrust sectors as defined in the Guidelines (Refer Page No. 9).
  • Only new employees who do not have a Universal Account Number (UAN) before joining the unit are eligible.
  • The reimbursement is only for incremental employee count post-expansion.

Exclusions

  • Units that have already availed EPF reimbursement under any central or state government scheme are not eligible for the scheme for that period.
  • Employees with a prior UAN before joining the unit are not eligible.

Application Process

Online

Registration Process:

Step-1: Visit the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) portal. Click on "New Investor Registration" to access the registration form.
Step-2: Fill in the Registration Form. Click on "Submit".
Step-3: Verify the E-mail ID using the link sent on your registered E-mail ID.
Step-4: After verification, you will be registered successfully.

Post-Registration Process:

Step-1: Visit the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) portal. Click on "Login".
Step-2: Enter the email address and password you used during registration.
Step-3: Click the "Login" button to access your account.
Step-4: Now fill in the required details and mandatory documents about your business to complete the application process.

Helpdesk: Contact Us.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is the "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Mega Industries"?
The "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Mega Industries" is a state initiative designed to support and strengthen the Mega Industry sector in Gujarat. It aims to enhance growth, encourage investments, and contribute to the vision of self-reliant Gujarat and India.
When is the scheme operative?
The scheme is operative from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2032, covering a period of 10 years.
What are the objectives of the scheme?
The scheme aims to boost Mega Industry growth, enhance the industrial ecosystem, encourage investments, and contribute to Gujarat's and India's self-reliance vision.
Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?
Mega Industries established and operating within Gujarat are eligible to benefit from the scheme, as per the criteria defined in the policy framework.
What is the "EPF Reimbursement" component?
The "EPF Reimbursement" component reimburses the employer's contribution to the EPF for new employees working in Gujarat, provided the unit meets the eligibility criteria.
How long can the reimbursement be claimed?
Reimbursement can be claimed for a maximum period of 10 years from the date of commencement of commercial production.
What is the ceiling on the reimbursement amount per employee?
The ceiling for the reimbursement is 12% of the employee's basic salary plus applicable Dearness Allowance (DA) or ₹1800/- per month, whichever is lower.
Can employers claim reimbursement for existing employees?
Employers cannot claim reimbursement for existing employees. The scheme applies only to new employees who did not have a Universal Account Number (UAN) before joining the unit.
How often is the reimbursement provided?
The reimbursement is provided on a quarterly basis, based on the EPF payment receipts submitted by the employer.
How is a new employee defined under the scheme?
A new employee is someone who did not have a UAN before joining the eligible Mega industrial unit.
Can employers claim reimbursement if they have already received EPF assistance under another scheme?
Employers cannot claim reimbursement under this scheme if they have already received EPF reimbursement under any central or state government scheme for the same period.
Is there a limit to the number of employees for whom reimbursement can be claimed?
Yes, reimbursement can only be claimed for the incremental employees hired beyond the pre-expansion employee count.
Can employers claim reimbursement for part-time or temporary employees?
No, the scheme applies only to full-time employees who meet the new employee criteria.
What happens if a new employee leaves the company?
If a new employee leaves the company, the employer will no longer be eligible for reimbursement for that individual, but the scheme may continue for other new employees.
Is there a minimum period for which employees must work to be eligible for reimbursement?
There is no specific minimum period mentioned, but the employee must be employed during the period for which reimbursement is claimed.
Do employers need to provide UAN details for employees?
Yes, UAN details for each new employee must be provided in order to claim the reimbursement.
How is the reimbursement amount calculated?
The reimbursement amount is based on the employer's contribution to the EPF, subject to the ceiling of 12% of the employee's basic salary plus DA or INR 1800, whichever is lower.

Definitions

  • Mega Industrial Unit
  • Date Of Commercial Production (DaCP)
  • Gross Fixed Capital Investment (GFCI)
  • Eligible Fixed Capital Investment (EFCI)

References

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