Gujarat Textile Policy: Assistance for Saving in Consumption of Energy and Water

The Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, operates the Gujarat Textile Policy, an umbrella scheme covering the textile sector. It seeks to draw investment into textiles and reinforce the full value chain, with garments, apparel and technical textiles receiving particular attention. The policy runs from 1 October 2024 to 29 September 2029. Its stated aims include lowering the textile sector's carbon footprint, supporting green growth, and improving both global competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

One component of the policy, "Assistance for Saving in Consumption of Energy and Water," extends financial support to industrial units already in operation as well as to new ones. The support is intended to encourage and enable concrete reductions in energy and water use. Under this component, part of the cost of energy and water audits carried out by recognised institutions or consultants is covered, along with part of the cost of buying the equipment those audits recommend. Through this assistance, the policy promotes efficient use of resources and a shift towards more sustainable ways of operating within the textile industry.

- **Registration application:** Forward the completed application in the prescribed format to the Industries Commissioner, attaching every document required. The deadline is one year counted from whichever of these falls last: the date the loan was disbursed, the date production commenced, or the date the policy came into force. - **Issue of registration certificate:** Once the application reaches the Industrial Commissioner, all supporting documents are examined and verified. A registration certificate is granted after verification is completed satisfactorily. - **Provisional/final eligibility certificate application (after DoCP):** Once the 'Date of Commercial Production' (DoCP) is received: - **MSME units having GFCI of up to INR 10 Crore:** Lodge the application with the General Manager, District Industries Center. - **MSME units having GFCI above INR 10 Crore and up to INR 50 Crore:** Lodge the application with the MSME Commissioner for a Provisional Eligibility Certificate. The deadline is 1 year from DoCP or 1 year from the date the Government Resolution (GR) was issued, whichever falls later. - **Units other than MSME:** Lodge the application for a Provisional Eligibility Certificate with the Industries Commissioner. The deadline is 1 year from DoCP or 1 year from the date the registration certificate was issued, whichever falls later. - Make sure every document needed is readied and filed in line with the guidelines that apply to your unit type and investment size.

Applications and supporting documents are examined and verified by the Industries Commissioner or the concerned authority — the General Manager, District Industries Centre, or MSME Commissioner. Assistance is granted only where the unit satisfies the prescribed criteria: a commitment to reducing energy or water use and, in the case of equipment assistance, proof of a 10% fall in consumption during the 12 months before the audit. Certificates or assistance are released once the application is found to conform to policy guidelines.