The West Bengal Incentive Scheme: Tourism Promotion Assistance in lieu of Interest Subsidy

The West Bengal Incentive Scheme, introduced on February 22, 2021, by the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal, is designed to encourage entrepreneurship and job creation within the state's tourism industry. This sub-scheme, titled "Tourism Promotion Assistance in lieu of Interest Subsidy," offers financial support to qualifying tourism projects and hotel units.

Its primary aim is to assist both new and established entrepreneurs in establishing or enlarging their tourism ventures, thereby contributing to economic development and employment opportunities in West Bengal. The scheme seeks to reduce financial strain by offsetting interest expenses through SGST assistance.

**Registration Process:** - Go to the official Shilpasathi portal and select ‘Apply online’. - First-time users should click ‘Create New’, choose the entity type (Industry/Business/Commercial/Charitable Society/Govt. entity), provide the registration number, and complete the ‘User Registration’ fields. - Returning users can ‘Sign In’ using their User ID, password, and Captcha.

**Application Process:** - Access the Shilpasathi portal by logging in. - On the user dashboard, open ‘ALL SERVICES’ and pick ‘Tourism Incentive’. - Select ‘Create CAF’ to obtain a CAF ID, then proceed with ‘Apply Online’. - Complete the common application form with the required information. - Upload all supporting documents and press ‘Save & Continue’. - Check the completed application, tick the ‘Declaration’ box, and hit ‘Submit’. - SMS and email alerts will keep you informed about the application’s progress. - Track the status anytime via the ‘Check status’ page. - Once approved, the Registration Certificate can be downloaded from the online system.

**Important Note:** Incentives are released only after the Registration Certificate, Date of Commencement Certificate, and Eligibility Certificate are issued. To obtain the Eligibility Certificate, apply to the Managing Director, West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation, after receiving the Registration and Date of Commercial Operation Certificates.

Applications undergo an administrative review against the submitted particulars and the scheme’s eligibility conditions. Before any incentive is released, the unit must secure a Registration Certificate, Date of Commencement Certificate, and Eligibility Certificate from the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited, confirming that arrangements and compliance requirements are met. Final sanction rests with the competent authority, which grants approval only after every preceding step has been completed successfully.