Goa Traditional Bakers (Poders) Subsidy Scheme

Goa Traditional Bakers (Poders) Subsidy Scheme

The “Goa Traditional Bakers (Poders) Subsidy Scheme” is a state initiative aimed at providing crucial financial support to traditional bakers in Goa. This scheme not only seeks to preserve the rich heritage of Goan baking but also promotes the sustainability of this vital occupation by offering subsidies for flour purchases.

Overview of the Scheme

Established in 2012 by the Department of Industries, Government of Goa, the “Goa Traditional Bakers (Poders) Subsidy Scheme” is designed to assist traditional bakers, known as poders, in maintaining and expanding their businesses. The assistance primarily involves providing subsidies for the purchase of maida (flour), essential for producing iconic Goan breads such as “Pao,” “Undho,” “Poie,” and “Kakon.” The implementation of this scheme is managed by the Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd. (GHRSSIDC). Key objectives include ensuring that the price of a 50 gm “Pao” remains fixed at ₹3 for five years and supporting bakers who have dedicated a minimum of 20 years to this profession.

Benefits of the Scheme

The subsidy structure is categorized based on the daily consumption of maida by the bakers:

• Category A: Bakers using 50 kg or less of maida daily are eligible for a cash subsidy of ₹4 per kg.
• Category B: Bakers consuming between 51 kg and 100 kg of maida daily will receive ₹4 per kg for the first 50 kg and ₹2 per kg for any additional amount.
• Category C: For those using between 101 kg and 150 kg daily, the subsidy is ₹4 per kg for the first 50 kg, ₹2 per kg for the next 50 kg, and ₹1 per kg for any excess beyond 100 kg.

The subsidy disbursement occurs quarterly, and it is important to note that no subsidy is provided for maida consumption exceeding 150 kg per day.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the financial support under this scheme, traditional Goan bakers (poders) must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be registered with The All Goa Bakers Association under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• The applicant or their family should have been engaged in the production of traditional Goan breads for at least 20 years.
• The baker (poder) must be a native Goan resident.
• Endorsement by the All Goa Bakers Association is mandatory for the traditional baker/poder.

Application Process

The application process is conducted offline and involves the following steps:

• Step 1: Fill out the application form (Annexure I) and attach the required documents, including an affidavit affirming the accuracy of the application.
• Step 2: Submit the completed application form along with the necessary documents to the Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd. (GHRSSIDC).
• For claiming quarterly subsidies, it is essential to submit the purchase bills for maida for the respective quarter along with the application form (Annexure II) within 30 days following the quarter’s conclusion.

After submission, an Appraisal Committee, which includes representatives from GHRSSIDC, the All Goa Bakers Association, and the Directorate of Industries, Trade & Commerce, will review the applications and approve the subsidies.

Official Source

For further details, visit myScheme.gov.in.