The West Bengal Incentive Scheme: State Capital Investment Subsidy

The State Capital Investment Subsidy operates as a sub-scheme under the West Bengal Incentive Scheme, introduced on 22 February 2021 by the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal. It remains in force until 31 December 2025. Through this scheme, the state extends financial assistance to the tourism sector. The parent West Bengal Incentive Scheme seeks to help self-employed youth and other entrepreneurs set up and grow their ventures, so that they move from being self-employed to becoming employers, generating jobs within the state.

The State Capital Investment Subsidy is directed at eligible micro and small enterprises operating in tourism. It offers an incentive against their fixed capital investment — covering spending on buildings, plant and machinery, and equipment installed to control pollution within tourism units. Such support lowers the upfront cost burden on these businesses, encourages them to modernise, and promotes environmentally responsible operations, which in turn supports sustainable growth and strengthens West Bengal's standing as a tourist destination.

Applications for the State Capital Investment Subsidy are submitted online via the Shilpasathi portal:

- **Step 1: Register as a user.** Go to the official Shilpasathi portal and select 'Apply online'. First-time users should choose 'Create New', pick their entity type (Industry/Business/Commercial/Charitable Society/Govt. entity), provide the registration number, complete the 'User Registration' form with accurate details, and press 'Register'. Those who already hold an account may log in using their User ID, password and Captcha, or with their registered mobile number and an OTP. - **Step 2: Secure project approval.** Your project must be backed by a detailed feasibility report and must have been approved and sanctioned by a Central Financial Institution, Commercial Bank, or State Financial Institution. - **Step 3: Obtain the required certificates.** Once project approval is in hand, apply to the Managing Director, West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation for a Registration Certificate, a Date of Commencement Certificate, and an Eligibility Certificate. These certificates must be obtained before any incentive application can be made. - **Step 4: File the incentive application.** Sign in to your user dashboard on the Shilpasathi portal. Select 'ALL SERVICES', then choose 'Tourism Incentive'. Press 'Create CAF' to generate your CAF ID, then click 'Apply Online' to continue. Complete every relevant field in the common application form. - **Step 5: Attach documents.** Upload all documents needed for issuance of the certificate and click 'Save & Continue'. A confirmation message will be displayed. Go through the completed application carefully. - **Step 6: Submit the application.** After reviewing, tick the 'Declaration' checkbox located at the bottom left of the application page and press 'Submit'. SMS and email notifications will be sent to applicants at key stages, such as submission, approval, or rejection. - **Step 7: Track status and download the certificate.** Following submission, you will be taken to the 'Check status' page. Once the authority grants approval, the Registration Certificate can be downloaded from the online system by clicking 'Download Certificate'.

Applications for the State Capital Investment Subsidy are assessed in several stages. To begin with, a project must obtain approval and sanction from a recognised financial institution — a Central Financial Institution, a Commercial Bank, or a State Financial Institution. The West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited then issues the mandatory certificates, namely the Registration Certificate, the Date of Commencement Certificate, and the Eligibility Certificate, once it is satisfied that the established arrangements are in place.

An eligible unit may apply for the incentives only after these prerequisite certificates have been obtained. The application, submitted through the Shilpasathi portal, is thereafter processed and reviewed by the relevant authority, which approves or rejects the subsidy.