West Bengal Incentive Scheme: Waiver of Electricity Duty is a state-supported program that gives financial relief to tourism-related businesses in West Bengal. The scheme waives electricity duty on power consumed by approved tourism units, which lowers operational costs for entrepreneurs and supports the growth of the tourism sector in the state. The earlier 2021 incentive framework closed on 31 December 2025, and the Department of Tourism has now brought in the new West Bengal Tourism Industry Benefit Scheme 2026 for tourism units.
West Bengal Incentive Scheme: Waiver of Electricity Duty works as a key support for the tourism industry. The Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal runs this program, which gives a waiver of electricity duty on power used in approved project areas. The original scheme was launched on 22nd February 2021 and stayed valid up to 31st December 2025. With the 2026 framework being introduced, eligible tourism units can continue to claim industry benefits, including the electricity duty waiver, under the updated rules.
West Bengal Incentive Scheme: Waiver of Electricity Duty - Introduction
The main aim of this scheme is to help enthusiastic entrepreneurs build their own tourism businesses. By reducing the operational load, the government encourages self-employment, which in turn fosters new leadership and creates many local job opportunities. Through this waiver, an eligible unit gets relief from electricity duty, allowing saved funds to be put back into project growth and infrastructure development.
The new West Bengal Tourism Industry Benefit Scheme 2026 has been published in draft form by the tourism department. A tourism unit that wants industry benefits under this framework has to submit an application online to the Director of Tourism, West Bengal. The application and registration details are handled through the official tourism department and the Silpasathi online portal. As of August 2026, the new draft framework is the reference point for tourism units looking to claim incentives.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | West Bengal Incentive Scheme: Waiver of Electricity Duty |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | West Bengal |
| Category | Business and Entrepreneurship |
| Target Beneficiaries | Business Entity, Individual |
| Benefit Type | Financial Relief |
| Nodal Department | Tourism Department |
| Scheme Period | 2021 scheme ended 31 December 2025, new 2026 framework in place |
| Application Mode | Online |
Benefits
An eligible unit gets a complete waiver of electricity duty on all power consumed within its approved project. This benefit remains available for a total period of 5 years, starting from the official date of commercial operations. The same benefit of electricity duty waiver continues to be part of the industry benefits offered to tourism units under the new 2026 framework.
Beyond the electricity waiver, the tourism incentive framework also covers other support such as reimbursement of stamp duty and registration fee, subsidy for quality improvement, subsidy for mega projects, and tourism promotion assistance. Together, these benefits help new and expanding tourism units reduce their set-up and running costs.
Eligibility
The scheme is generally available for all eligible tourism projects, units, or expansion projects. If a hotel unit began commercial operations between 7th January 2015 and 31st December 2020 but could not apply under the earlier 2015 scheme because of the lack of a bar, it is specifically encouraged to apply under this scheme framework. A tourism unit that wants to claim these benefits must apply online for registration with the Director of Tourism, West Bengal.
Additionally, the project must meet these conditions:
- Operate within the private, co-operative, or joint sector, including entities managed by the State Government.
- Have a detailed, official project feasibility report in place.
- Be sanctioned by a Central Financial Institution, Commercial Bank, or State Financial Institution.
- Hold a valid Registration Certificate, Date of Commencement Certificate, and Eligibility Certificate provided by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation or the tourism department.
Exclusions
If a tourism unit has already registered for or received incentives under a previous state tourism scheme, it cannot claim benefits under this policy. A unit that applied under the 2015 scheme and whose application was not settled before the launch of the current framework continues to receive benefits only under the earlier 2015 policy rules.
Application Process
Online Application Process
STEP 1 - Go to the official tourism department page or the Silpasathi portal to begin your application. If you are a new user, select the 'Create New' option and provide your registration details. Existing users can simply log in with their credentials.
STEP 2 - Once logged in, open your dashboard and select 'ALL SERVICES'. Locate the 'Tourism Incentive' option and create your Common Application Form (CAF). Fill in your business details accurately and attach all required documents.
STEP 3 - Review your information, agree to the declaration, and click 'Submit'. You will receive status updates through SMS and email. Upon final approval, you can download your official certificate directly from the portal. Under the 2026 framework, registration applications are sent online to the Director of Tourism, West Bengal at the New Secretariat Building, 'A' Block, 3rd Floor, 1, K.S. Roy Road, Kolkata 700001.
Important Note: Before requesting the electricity waiver, make sure you have obtained your Registration Certificate, Date of Commencement Certificate, and your Eligibility Certificate from the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation or the tourism department.
Need Help?
For technical support, you can email qrt.silpasathiwb@gmail.com or call the Silpasathi helpdesk. The tourism department also provides grievance support through its official website and regional offices.
Documents
Documents for Registration and Eligibility Certificate
- Company incorporation documents or partnership agreements.
- Official list of directors, partners, or owners.
- Detailed project report.
- No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the Pollution Control Board and West Bengal Fire Services.
- Bank or financial institution sanction letters.
- Audited balance sheets for the last 3 years with Income Tax acknowledgments.
- Valuer-approved estimates for building and machinery.
- Land records including conversion certificates and site plans.
- Clearances from authorities like Forest, CRZ, and Police.
- Valid Trade License and SARAI registration.
- GST registration and return copies.
- Approved building plans from the relevant KMC, Municipality, or Panchayat authority.
Documents for Waiver of Electricity Duty Application
- Copy of your Registration Certificate.
- Copy of your Eligibility Certificate.
- Documentation regarding your electricity supply contract.
- Copies of recent electricity bills as they are generated.
Definitions
Eligible Unit
An eligible unit refers to a new or expanded tourism unit that holds both a Registration Certificate from the Director of Tourism and an Eligibility Certificate from the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation, provided that commercial activity started after the scheme began.
Zone Classifications
The scheme groups benefits by zones. Zone A covers Kolkata, Bidhannagar, and New Town. Zone B includes parts of 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and Paschim Bardhaman. Zone C includes districts like Nadia and Malda, while Zone D covers North Bengal districts. Special Areas include Jungle Mahal and identified Sunderbans blocks of North and South 24 Parganas.
References
- West Bengal Tourism Incentive Scheme official page
- West Bengal Tourism Industry Benefit Scheme 2026 draft
- Silpasathi online portal
FAQ's
What areas qualify as Special Areas?
Special Areas include districts like Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, and specific blocks within the Sunderbans region of North and South 24 Parganas.
Can I apply for multiple incentives?
No, you must choose one incentive scheme that best fits your eligibility, as you cannot combine benefits across different state incentive policies at the same time.
Is there any application fee?
No, you do not need to pay any fees to apply for your Registration Certificate, Eligibility Certificate, or any of the scheme subsidies.
How can I check my application status?
Log in to the Silpasathi portal, open your dashboard, and click the 'Details' link next to your application to view the full progress history.
Was the old 2021 scheme extended?
The 2021 scheme was valid up to 31 December 2025. The Department of Tourism has now introduced the West Bengal Tourism Industry Benefit Scheme 2026, which continues tourism industry benefits, including the electricity duty waiver, under the new framework.