Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Subsidy for Energy Efficiency is a government scheme that gives cash reimbursement to micro and small enterprises for energy audits and conservation installations. This incentive is meant to push industrial sustainability and operational efficiency across West Bengal.
Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.
Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Subsidy for Energy Efficiency - Introduction
Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Subsidy for Energy Efficiency is a state level scheme from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles Department, Government of West Bengal. It was launched on 1st April 2020 and stayed active until 31st March 2025 to help businesses lower their energy footprint.
This scheme supports a business by paying back a part of the money spent on energy audits and energy conservation equipment. By adopting these measures, a unit can run in a cleaner and more efficient way while keeping its running costs in check.
For instance, if a small manufacturing unit led by an entrepreneur named Arjun hires a certified agency for an energy audit, he can claim back half the cost through this scheme after implementing the findings of the audit.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Subsidy for Energy Efficiency |
| Level | State |
| Target Beneficiary | Business Entities |
| Benefit Type | Cash Reimbursement |
| Main Department | Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles Department |
| Valid Until | 31st March 2025 |
Benefits
Business units can get useful financial support under this scheme to improve their working efficiency. The reimbursement works only after the recommendations given by the energy audit agency are actually put in place.
| Incentive Category | Reimbursement Rate | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Audit | 50% of cost | As per approval |
| Energy Conservation Installations | 25% of cost | ₹2,00,000 |
Eligibility
The following criteria need to be met to qualify for this support:
- Business must operate as a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise in the manufacturing sector.
- Production must have officially commenced between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2025.
- Business must run in the private, cooperative, or joint sector, or be an industrial Self-Help Group (SHG) managed by the state government.
- No incentives should already have been claimed under other state schemes for the same project.
Exclusions
This scheme does not cover specific types of industrial activity or older projects. For example, if incentives have already been claimed under other state schemes for the same project, the business becomes ineligible. Industries like sponge iron factories and certain brick manufacturing units are also left out. The investment calculation for plant and machinery should not include small peripheral costs like tools, jigs, molds, spare parts, and second-hand machinery.
Application Process
Applications for this subsidy were to be submitted through the Shilpasathi Portal. The process involved the following steps:
STEP 1 - Register or log in to the portal using the required credentials.
STEP 2 - Go to the dashboard and select 'MSME Incentive' under the 'ALL SERVICES' section.
STEP 3 - Create a Common Application Form (CAF) and fill in the details correctly.
STEP 4 - Complete the 'Online Form A' and give the year-wise subsidy details.
STEP 5 - Upload all required documents, preview the application, and submit it online.
The first application had to be submitted within 12 months from the Date of Commencement of Commercial Production (DOCCP).
Documents
These documents were needed for the online application:
- Registration documents like the Partnership Deed or Memorandum of Association.
- A detailed project report and proof of loan sanctions.
- Audited balance sheets for the last two years.
- A complete list of plant and machinery with original purchase bills.
- Land records, including lease or rent agreements.
- Valid consent documents from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB).
- Evidence of the Energy Audit report and receipts for conservation installations.
Definitions
Approved Project: Any expansion or new industrial project in the manufacturing sector that has received formal approval from the state government or authorized financial institutions.
References
For a deeper understanding, these official resources can be used:
FAQ's
How can an applicant apply for the energy efficiency subsidy?
Applications are done through the Shilpasathi portal by filling out the Common Application Form and choosing the MSME Incentive service. Since the scheme has closed, new applications are no longer being accepted.
What amount of financial help was provided?
50% for the audit cost and 25% for energy conservation installations up to a maximum of ₹2,00,000.
Are all industries eligible for this?
No, only manufacturing sector enterprises that commenced production after 1st April 2020 were generally eligible, excluding certain sectors like sponge iron.
Who should be contacted for technical issues?
For any technical help, email qrt.silpasathiwb@gmail.com or call the toll-free number 1800-345-5562.
