Jun 02: The Central Government has approved the New Guidelines of Central Sector Scheme “Promotion of MSMEs in North Eastern Region and Sikkim”. The scheme will be implemented during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26). The Scheme is envisaged to provide financial support for enhancing the productivity and competitiveness as well as capacity building of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the NER and Sikkim. The scheme has the following components;
Setting up of new and modernization of existing Mini Technology Centres:
The Scheme envisages financial assistance to State Governments for setting up new and modernization of existing Mini Technology Centres. Projects for the creation of common facilities to supplement manufacturing, testing, packaging, R&D, product and process innovations and training for natural resources such as fruits, spices, agriculture, forestry, sericulture and bamboo etc. available in NER and Sikkim would be given priority. The financial assistance of the Central Government will be 90%. The projects with a total project cost of more than Rs. 15.00 crore will also be considered but maximum assistance shall be limited to Rs. 13.50 crore.
Development of new and existing Industrial Estates:
Central Government financial assistance will be provided for development of new and existing Industrial Estates and Flatted Factory Complexes. The financial assistance of the Government will be 90%. The maximum project cost for calculation of assistance shall be Rs.15.00 Crore for the development of a new industrial estate whereas Rs.10.00 crore for the development of an existing Industrial Estate. The projects with a total project cost of more than Rs.10.00/15.00 crore, will also be considered but maximum assistance shall be limited to Rs. 9.00/13.50 crore as the case may be.
Development of Tourism Sector:
The projects for the creation of common services such as kitchen, bakery, laundry & dry cleaning, refrigeration and cold storage, IT infra, potable water, display centre for local products, centre for cultural activities etc. in a cluster of homestays may be considered under the scheme. There have to be linkages of projects with local MSEs. The financial assistance of the Central Government will be 90% for projects with maximum assistance limited to Rs. 4.50 crore.
