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

The Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, has introduced the Gujarat Textile Policy as an umbrella scheme. Its stated aim is to increase investment in the textile sector and strengthen the full value chain, with a focus on garments, apparel, and technical textiles. The policy is in effect from October 1st, 2024, to September 29th, 2029, and is intended to lower the sector's carbon footprint, support green growth, and improve its global competitiveness and environmental performance.

Under this policy, the "Assistance for Saving in Consumption of Energy and Water" component offers financial support to both new and existing industrial units. The assistance is meant to encourage measures that reduce energy and water use. It covers part of the expenses for energy and water audits conducted by recognised institutions or consultants, and also contributes to the purchase of recommended equipment. The objective is to promote efficient use of resources and support a shift towards more sustainable operations in the textile industry.

- **Registration Application:** File the application in the prescribed format with the Industries Commissioner, attaching all requisite documents. This submission must occur within one year from the latest of the following dates: loan disbursement, commencement of production, or the policy operative date. - **Issuance of Registration Certificate:** After the application is received, the Industrial Commissioner will examine and validate the submitted documents. Once verification is complete, a registration certificate will be granted. - **Provisional/Final Eligibility Certificate Application (Post-DoCP):** Following the receipt of the 'Date of Commercial Production' (DoCP): - **MSME Units with GFCI up to INR 10 Crore:** Submit the application to the General Manager, District Industries Center. - **MSME Units with GFCI exceeding INR 10 Crore but not exceeding INR 50 Crore:** Submit the application to the MSME Commissioner for a Provisional Eligibility Certificate. This must be done within one year from DoCP or within one year from the date of the Government Resolution (GR) issuance, whichever is later. - **Non-MSME Units:** Submit the application for a Provisional Eligibility Certificate to the Industries Commissioner. This must be done within one year from DoCP or within one year from the date of registration certificate issuance, whichever is later. - Prepare and submit all required documents in accordance with the specific guidelines applicable to your unit type and investment scale.

The Industries Commissioner, or the relevant authority such as the General Manager, District Industries Centre, or MSME Commissioner, examines and verifies the submitted applications and supporting documents. Eligibility is assessed against the stated criteria, which include the unit’s pledge to reduce energy or water usage; for equipment assistance, the unit must show a 10% reduction in consumption during the 12 months before the audit. Only after this verification confirms adherence to policy guidelines are certificates or assistance granted.