“Assistance for Energy and Water Conservation” under “Motivation of Entrepreneurs to Start Industries and Fiscal Assistance to Industries – Various Incentives”

Introduction

The “Assistance for Energy and Water Conservation” scheme, part of the “Motivation of Entrepreneurs to Start Industries and Fiscal Assistance to Industries – Various Incentives”, aims to promote sustainability in the Union Territory of Puducherry. Launched by the Industries and Commerce Department, this initiative provides financial support for energy and water audits, encouraging local industries to optimize their resource usage and improve efficiency.

Overview of the Scheme

Implemented since 1st April 2017, this scheme offers reimbursement of 50% of the fees paid to recognized consultants or institutions conducting energy and water audits, with a maximum limit of ₹25,000. Eligible units must demonstrate a minimum 10% reduction in their average monthly energy or water consumption over the preceding year prior to the audit. Applications must be submitted offline using the designated form available on the official website of the department.

Key Benefits

• Financial Reimbursement: Receive 50% of the audit fees paid, capped at ₹25,000.
• Flexible Installments: The subsidy may be disbursed in single or multiple installments based on fund availability.
• Disbursement Mode: Funds will be directed through financial institutions if the unit is financed, or directly to self-financed units.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicable to all Micro, Small, Medium, and Large Industries.
• The investment must have been made on or after 1st April 2017.
• At least 60% of the total employment must be provided to residents of Puducherry, maintained during the specified period in the affidavit.
• The unit should achieve at least a 10% reduction in energy or water consumption based on the average monthly usage over the last 12 months prior to the audit.
• The audit must be carried out by a recognized institution or consultant.
• Fixed assets, including plant and machinery, must not be transferred or disposed of within five years from the application submission date or subsidy disbursement date, whichever is later.
• Subsequent investments made after the initial subsidy claim are also eligible for additional reimbursement up to the ceiling limit.

Special Cases

If an individual establishes multiple industrial units as a sole proprietor, common partners, or shareholders, each unit can qualify for separate subsidies, provided they are located differently and possess distinct licenses, clearances, and registrations.

Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Registration: The industrial unit must register for the incentive/subsidy using the prescribed application form found on the official website of the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Puducherry.
2. Application Form: Complete all mandatory fields in the application and attach necessary documents (self-attested as required).
3. Submission: Submit the signed application form along with all documents to the designated authority.
4. Receipt: Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment from the authority confirming submission, including the date, time, and a unique identification number if applicable.

Post-Application Process

1. The Directorate of Industries will review applications based on merit to determine the admissible subsidy amount, which will then be presented to the State Level Committee.
2. The State Level Committee will evaluate each application to confirm eligibility and recommend the appropriate subsidy amount.

Application Deadlines

• For New Units: Applications must be submitted within one year of receiving the Entrepreneurs Memorandum Part-2, Permanent Registration, or Commencement of Production Certificate.
• For Existing Units: Applications must be submitted within one year of completing Expansion, Diversification, or Modernization.

Official Source

For more information, visit the official portal at myScheme.gov.in.