Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Power Subsidy (PS)

The "Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Power Subsidy (PS)" operates as a sub-scheme within the wider "Banglashree for MSME" framework. It was introduced on April 1, 2020, by the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles, Government of West Bengal, and will remain active until March 31, 2025. The scheme's purpose is to support the state's manufacturing sector through fiscal incentives, encouraging the establishment and growth of MSMEs.

This intervention aims to promote balanced industrial development, efficient resource use, and job creation while broadening business operations. The Power Subsidy component offers direct financial relief to eligible MSMEs by subsidising electricity consumed for approved manufacturing activities. This reduces operational costs, improves competitiveness, and supports industrial expansion in West Bengal.

The application process for the Banglashree for MSME Power Subsidy is carried out entirely online through the Shilpasathi Portal.

- **Step 1: Registration.** Go to the Shilpasathi Portal, select 'Apply Online', and then choose 'Create New' to register afresh. Pick your Applicant Type (Industry/Business/Commercial/Charitable Society/Govt. entity) and provide your Registration Number. Complete every required field on the 'User Registration' page and press 'Register'. - **Step 2: Login and Service Selection.** Once registered, sign in with your username and password or through OTP. On your user dashboard, choose 'ALL SERVICES' and then pick 'MSME Incentive'. - **Step 3: Create and Fill CAF.** Select 'Create CAF' to obtain a CAF ID, then click 'Apply Online' to continue. Fill out the "eligibility form" and press "Save and Continue" to reach the common application form (CAF). Complete all mandatory fields in the CAF, then use "Update and Continue" to review it. - **Step 4: Online Form - A Application.** After submitting the CAF, return to the Dashboard to check your application status. Click 'Click to Proceed' and then 'Go to Application' to open the "Online Form - A" application. - **Step 5: Subsidy Details.** Under the "APPLY SUBSIDY" section, review the year-wise subsidy items. Click "SAVE". Next, in the "FILL UP SUBSIDY" tab, enter year-wise subsidy details for the incentive, using "Add More" to break down multiple years. - **Step 6: Document Upload and Submission.** Attach all relevant documents, review the full application, click "VERIFY & SUBMIT", confirm the declaration, and then press "Submit Application". - **Step 7: Application Reference.** After Form-A is finally submitted, you will be issued an application reference number to monitor your progress. - **Application Deadline:** The initial application must be filed within 12 months from your Date of Commencement of Commercial Production (DOCCP) or within 12 months from the date the Banglashree scheme was notified (April 1, 2020), whichever of these two dates falls later.

Eligibility for the power subsidy is determined by reviewing applications against the stated criteria. This includes confirming the enterprise’s classification as a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise, its engagement in manufacturing, and compliance with the prescribed dates for commencing commercial production. The project’s approval status and the verification of electricity consumption attributable to manufacturing activity are also decisive factors in the assessment.