Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for assistance to MSMEs: Assistance for Interest Subsidy to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (Service Sector)

The Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, introduced the Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for MSMEs as an umbrella programme to support the state's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise sector. This sector contributes substantially to employment, GDP, and export earnings in Gujarat. The scheme came into force on October 5, 2022, and remains operational until October 4, 2027.

One component of this initiative, titled "Assistance for Interest Subsidy to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (Service Sector)," targets micro-enterprises in the service industry. It offers an interest subsidy on term loans taken for new investments, thereby easing the financial load on these businesses. The objective is to encourage investment in machinery, equipment, and fixtures, supporting the broader goals of Aatmanirbhar Gujarat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

1. **New Investor Registration:** Go to the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) at https://ifp.gujarat.gov.in/DIGIGOV/. Select the "New Investor Registration" option to open the registration form. 2. **Fill and Submit Registration Form:** Enter accurate details about your enterprise in all required fields. Once complete, press "Submit." 3. **Email Verification:** A verification link will be sent to the email address you provided. Click the link to verify your account. 4. **Successful Registration:** After email verification is complete, your investor account will be activated on the portal. 5. **Login:** Return to the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) and choose the "Login" option. 6. **Enter Credentials:** Log in using the email address and password established during registration. 7. **Access Account:** Press the "Login" button to enter your personalised account dashboard. 8. **Complete Application:** Within your account, go to the section for the interest subsidy scheme. Provide all required business details and upload the necessary documents as per the scheme guidelines. Verify that all information is correct and complete before submitting. Keep incorporation documents, MSME/DPIIT registration, loan disbursement details, and project reports ready for reference.

Applications are checked against the scheme’s eligibility conditions, including enterprise type, service sector focus, and registration status (MSME/DPIIT). The term loan particulars, investment in new assets such as machinery, equipment, and furniture/fixtures, and adherence to scheme guidelines are examined. Regular servicing of the loan, covering both principal and interest payments to the bank or financial institution, is also tracked.

A designated committee or authority within the Industries and Mines Department grants final approval and releases the subsidy, based on the verification outcomes and the applicant’s compliance with the scheme’s terms and conditions.