West Bengal Incentive Scheme: Interest Subsidy on Term Loan

West Bengal Incentive Scheme: Interest Subsidy on Term Loan is a state-led scheme by the Department of Tourism to support tourism entrepreneurs in West Bengal. It provides an interest subsidy on term loans taken from banks for approved tourism projects, helping businesses manage their annual interest liability and encouraging self-employment across the state through an online application process.

Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.

West Bengal Incentive Scheme: Interest Subsidy on Term Loan - Introduction

West Bengal Incentive Scheme: Interest Subsidy on Term Loan was launched by the Department of Tourism on 22nd February 2021 to support tourism business owners with financial support through interest subsidies on bank loans. The scheme was valid until 31st December 2025, and that period has now ended.

By reducing the interest burden, the scheme helped aspiring entrepreneurs launch or expand their tourism business. Self-employed individuals gained the stability needed to grow their venture and, in turn, create more employment opportunities for others. For the period after 2025, the West Bengal government has released a draft of the new West Bengal Tourism Industry Benefit Scheme 2026 for tourism units on its official website.

Key Information

Benefits

The incentive amount depended on the zone where the project operated. Here is the subsidy breakdown that applied during the scheme period:

Note: The lending institution had to provide proof of interest payments annually. This subsidy did not cover term loans taken for second-hand machinery or hire-purchase agreements.

Eligibility

This scheme supported various tourism units, including new projects and expansions, starting from 22nd February 2021. For example, if a person started a new eco-resort in a designated special area, they could apply for these benefits. Eligible hotel units that entered commercial operations between 7th January 2015 and 31st December 2020 but missed out on previous incentives due to technical reasons like not having a bar could also apply.

A unit was eligible if it was in the private, co-operative, or joint sector. The project needed a detailed feasibility report and funding from a recognized financial institution or commercial bank. It also required valid Registration, Date of Commencement, and Eligibility Certificates issued by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited.

Exclusions

If a unit had already received or registered for incentives under a previous state scheme, it was not eligible for this benefit. Also, if a unit applied under the WBIS 2015 scheme and the application was still pending or already processed, it remained entitled to benefits under the 2015 regulations rather than the current scheme.

Application Process

Online Application steps

Step 1: Visit the official Shilpasathi portal and select the Apply online option.

Step 2: Register the business entity if it is a new user. If an account already exists, sign in using the credentials.

Step 3: Navigate to the dashboard and select All Services. Choose the Tourism Incentive option from the list.

Step 4: Click on Create CAF to generate a unique ID. Once complete, fill in the common application form with the project details.

Step 5: Upload all requested documents and click Save & Continue. Review the application carefully before submitting.

Step 6: Monitor the status through the SMS and email notifications. Once approved, download the certificate directly from the online portal.

Helpdesk: For any technical issues, contact the Silpa Sathi Single Window Cell at 1800-345-5562 or email qrt.silpasathiwb@gmail.com.

Documents

To complete the eligibility criteria, the following documents were required:

• Registration documents like Memorandum and Articles of Association or Partnership agreements.
• Detailed project report and valid No Objection Certificates from the Pollution Control Board and Fire Services.
• Loan sanction letters from the financial institution.
• Audited balance sheets for the last 3 years.
• Valid land deeds, trade licenses, and GST certificates.
• Building plans and machinery estimates vetted by a registered valuer.
• A specific certificate from the bank as per the prescribed Annexure-A format.

Definitions

Eligible Unit: Any new or expanding tourism project that holds a valid registration and eligibility certificate from the appropriate state authority.

Zone Classifications: Locations are categorized by city and district (for example, Zone A includes Kolkata/Bidhannagar; Zone D covers Northern districts like Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri) which determine the subsidy calculation.

Special Area: Regions including Jungle Mahal and Sunderbans blocks which attract higher subsidy rates to encourage development.

References

• West Bengal Tourism Incentive Scheme
• West Bengal Tourism Industry Benefit Scheme 2026 Draft
• Silpasathi Incentives and Schemes

FAQ's

What locations qualified for the Special Area subsidy rates?

Special Areas included Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, and specific blocks within Sunderbans across North and South 24 Parganas.

Can a unit apply if it has already received benefits from another state scheme?

No, a unit cannot receive simultaneous benefits from two different state incentive schemes. It must select one.

Are there any fees for submitting an application?

No, there was no requirement to pay any registration or application fees for this scheme.

How can a unit check the application status?

The progress of an application can be tracked by logging into the Shilpasathi portal and checking the status history linked to the dashboard entries.