Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Subsidy for Work Force Welfare Assistance (WWAS)

## Subsidy for Work Force Welfare Assistance (WWAS)

WWAS is a sub-scheme under Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, introduced by the Government of West Bengal with effect from April 1, 2020. It forms part of the state's effort to build a durable MSME ecosystem, with emphasis on even regional growth, better use of resources and generation of employment. Fiscal incentives of a targeted nature are offered under the scheme, with the aim of placing West Bengal among the leading states for MSMEs nationally.

Under WWAS, micro and small enterprises receive reimbursement of their Employees State Insurance (ESI) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, which reduces the financial load these statutory welfare obligations place on them. To qualify, at least 50% of an enterprise's workforce must consist of persons registered with the State's Employment Bank — a condition intended to promote hiring from within the local pool.

The scheme reflects the state government's backing for the growth and steady operation of manufacturing MSMEs, whose contribution to economic development and job creation it acknowledges. By covering a portion of the cost of statutory employee welfare benefits, it encourages responsible employer practices, with the expected outcomes of a stronger industrial base and better livelihood opportunities in West Bengal.

**Registration Process:**

- Go to the Shilpasathi Portal and select 'Apply Online'. - If you are a first-time user, choose 'Create New' to register. - Choose your Applicant Type (such as Industry/Business/Commercial/Charitable Society/Govt. entity) and provide your Registration Number. - Fill in every mandatory field on the 'User Registration' page, then select 'Register'.

**Application Process:**

- Go back to the Shilpasathi Portal and select 'Apply Online'. - Sign in with your registered username and password, or use OTP verification through your mobile number. - On the user dashboard, select 'ALL SERVICES' and choose 'MSME Incentive'. - Select 'Create CAF' to generate your Common Application Form ID, then select 'Apply Online' to move ahead. - Complete the 'eligibility form' and save it; you will then be redirected to the CAF. - Fill in every mandatory field in the CAF and select 'Update and Continue' to preview. - Once submitted, you will land on the Dashboard where you can check your application status. - From the Dashboard, select 'Click to Proceed' to carry on with the application, saving updated information as you go. - Select 'Preview' to review the form before final submission. - Go to 'Go to Application' to complete 'Online Form - A'. - Under the 'APPLY SUBSIDY' section, tick the year-wise subsidy items for the application you intend to make, then select 'SAVE'. - Move to the 'FILL UP SUBSIDY' tab, enter detailed year-wise subsidy information, and select 'Add More' where a multi-year breakdown is needed. - Upload all required documents, review the details, select 'VERIFY & SUBMIT', confirm the declaration, and then select 'Submit Application'. - After Form-A is finally submitted, you will be given an application reference number to track your status.

**Date of submission of first application:** Within 12 months from the Date of Commencement of Commercial Production (DOCCP) or within 12 months from the date of notification of Banglashree, whichever is later.

Eligibility is assessed against the scheme's criteria, which cover enterprise type, sector, production commencement dates, and recruitment of employees through the Employment Bank. Applications are submitted and processed online via the Shilpasathi Portal, where the details provided are verified.

After the online application — comprising the eligibility form, subsidy details, and supporting documents — is filed, it is reviewed for conformity with the scheme's guidelines. Only enterprises that satisfy every specified condition and submit complete documentation are taken forward for the annual reimbursement.