Goa Traditional Bakers (Poders) Subsidy Scheme offers cash support to traditional bakers, known locally as poders, who keep the art of Goan bread making alive. The scheme, launched in 2012 by the Department of Industries, Government of Goa, helps these bakers buy maida, the flour used to make Pao, Undho, Poie and Kakon, at a lower cost.
The scheme is run by the Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd. (GHRSSIDC). Its main aim is to keep the price of a 50gm Pao at ₹3 and to support bakers who have been in the trade for at least 20 years. As of August 2026, the scheme continues to accept claims from eligible poders in Goa.
Goa Traditional Bakers (Poders) Subsidy Scheme - Introduction
Traditional Goan bread is a big part of the state's food culture, and poders have been baking it for generations. This scheme was started to protect that heritage and to keep the price of local bread within reach of ordinary families. Instead of letting the cost of maida push up bread prices, the government steps in and pays part of the flour bill.
The subsidy is given as a cash amount every quarter, based on how much maida a baker uses in a day. This way, small bakers who use less flour still get a fair share of support, while bigger bakers get a graded benefit. The money is paid after the claim is checked by an appraisal committee.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Goa Traditional Bakers (Poders) Subsidy Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Infra |
| Beneficiary States | Goa |
| Category | Social welfare & Empowerment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Labour and Employment Department |
Benefits
The scheme provides a quarterly cash subsidy for maida used in bread production. The amount depends on the daily usage category of the baker:
| Category | Daily Maida Usage | Subsidy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Up to 50 kg | ₹4 per kg |
| Category B | 51 kg to 100 kg | ₹4 per kg (first 50 kg) and ₹2 per kg (remaining) |
| Category C | 101 kg to 150 kg | ₹4 per kg (first 50 kg), ₹2 per kg (next 50 kg), and ₹1 per kg (remaining) |
Note: No subsidy is given for daily consumption above 150 kg. The subsidy is paid every quarter.
Eligibility
To get the benefit of this scheme, a baker needs to meet a few conditions. These rules make sure the support reaches genuine traditional poders and not just any bakery:
- Be a traditional Goan baker (poder) actively making Pao, Undho, Poie or Kakon.
- Have the bakery registered with the All Goa Bakers Association under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Have the baker or the family in this business for the last 20 years.
- Be a Goan resident by birth.
- Carry a valid recommendation from the All Goa Bakers Association.
Application Process
Application for this scheme is done offline. Bakers need to fill the form and submit it to the GHRSSIDC office with the required papers.
STEP 1 - Fill the application form (Annexure I) and attach an affidavit confirming that all details given are true.
STEP 2 - Submit the application form along with the documents to the Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd. (GHRSSIDC).
STEP 3 - For quarterly subsidy claims, submit the maida purchase bills (Annexure II) within 30 days of the quarter ending. An Appraisal Committee made up of representatives from GHRSSIDC, the All Goa Bakers Association and the Directorate of Industries, Trade & Commerce then reviews and approves the claim.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before applying so the process goes smoothly:
- Application form (Annexure I)
- Notarized affidavit
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Complete list of employees
- Birth certificate
- Bakers Association membership proof
- Association recommendation letter
- Maida purchase bills for the previous 6 months
- Aadhaar card copy
- Proof of 20 years in business (SSI registration, Legal Metrology license, or BDO-certified Panchayat records)
References
View Official Scheme Guidelines
FAQ's
How long must I have been in the baking business to qualify?
You should have been making traditional Goan bread for at least 20 years and provide supporting documents for it.
Which bread products are covered?
You can claim the subsidy for producing Pao, Undho, Poie and Kakon.
How do I prove my 20-year business history?
You can submit an SSI registration, EM Part-II acknowledgment, Legal Metrology license, or BDO-certified documents from your local Panchayat or Municipality.
Is birth residency mandatory?
Yes, you must be a Goan resident by birth and provide your birth certificate.
Who authorizes my application?
Your application needs a recommendation from the All Goa Bakers Association.
How is the subsidy calculated for 45 kg of daily maida usage?
Under Category A, you get ₹4 per kg for your total usage of 45 kg.
What if I use 80 kg daily?
Under Category B, you get ₹4 per kg for the first 50 kg and ₹2 per kg for the remaining 30 kg.
What if I use 120 kg daily?
Under Category C, you get ₹4 per kg for the first 50 kg, ₹2 per kg for the next 50 kg, and ₹1 per kg for the last 20 kg.
Is there a cap on daily usage?
Yes, the scheme does not provide a subsidy for intake beyond 150 kg per day.
When should I submit my subsidy claims?
Submit your claims quarterly within 30 days after the quarter closes.
Where should I buy my raw materials?
You should buy maida from GHRSSIDC-approved outlets like Sahakar Bhandar, Bardez Bazar, or Goa Bhagyatdar.
What is the set price target for Pao?
The scheme aims to keep a 50gm Pao priced at ₹3 for a period of 5 years.
