Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower: Scheme of Financial Assistance for Running Short-term Bridge Courses

Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower: Financial Assistance for Short-term Bridge Courses

The “Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower” under the Gujarat Industrial Policy is designed to address the skill gap prevalent in the industry. This initiative is focused on enhancing employment opportunities and ensuring that the workforce is adequately trained to meet the demands of modern technology and business practices.

Overview of the Scheme

Launched by the Industries and Mines Department of Gujarat, the “Scheme for Enhancement of Technical Competence and Manpower” is an extensive initiative introduced as part of the Gujarat Industrial Policy. The scheme is operational from August 7, 2020, and will continue until August 6, 2025. Its primary objective is to bridge the existing gap in skills within the industry, thereby fostering employment and ensuring that the training provided aligns with the current technological and business advancements.

The component titled “Scheme of Financial Assistance for Running Short-term Bridge Courses” focuses on elevating skill development through industry-specific training programs. This initiative encourages collaboration between Industry Partners and Host Institutes to establish specialized training centers aimed at equipping trainees with essential skills that are in high demand, ultimately enhancing their employability and readiness for the workforce.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

• General Assistance:
  • Financial Assistance for Fixed Costs: Up to 75% of the total fixed costs (including machinery, equipment, classroom furniture, and refurbishing) is available, with a maximum grant of ₹1,00,00,000.
  • Refurbishing Support: Financial aid for refurbishing existing training facilities is capped at 20% of the project cost, not exceeding ₹20,00,000.
  • Recurring Cost Assistance: Support for recurring expenses, such as remuneration for external faculty, training materials, tools, utilities, stationery, and other administrative costs as sanctioned by the Institutional Management Committee (IMC).
• Additional Assistance:
  • Awareness Programs & Seminars: Each training center can receive up to ₹1,00,000 annually for conducting awareness programs and seminars.
  • Other Expenditures: The State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC)/Implementation Committee (IC)/Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) can sanction expenses for studies, renovation of existing skill centers, third-party evaluations, monitoring, audits, and assessments.
  • Trainee Transportation Reimbursement: Trainees completing skill upgrade training can receive reimbursement for Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) bus passes, with rates as follows:
    • For BPL candidates, Physically Handicapped individuals, SC, ST, SEBC, and Women: 100% reimbursement.
    • For other candidates: 75% reimbursement.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Host Institute must be an ITI, Polytechnic, Engineering College, or a Government-Affiliated Institution with a minimum of 5 years of operational experience.
• The Industry Partner should be an established industry or association with at least 10 years of experience in the area of skill development.
• Both entities must be legally registered under the Societies Act, Trust Act, or Companies Act.
• Courses must adhere to guidelines set by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT), Gujarat Council for Vocational Training (GCVT), or relevant Sector Skill Councils.
• At least 25% of the course intake should be sponsored by the industry.
• A minimum of 75% of industry-sponsored trainees must secure employment post-training.
• The training center should have been operational for a minimum of 5 years.

Application Process

To apply for the scheme, follow these steps:

Apply Offline

• Step 1: Complete the application form and submit it to the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) for forwarding to the Screening Committee. Applications are accepted biannually in April and October.
• Step 2: A committee will evaluate the proposals for feasibility and make recommendations to the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC) for approval.

Submission Details

Applications should be directed to:

Director,
The Center for Entrepreneurship Development,
Block No.1, 9th Floor, Udyog Bhavan,
Sector 11, Gandhinagar – 382 017

Contact Information

For additional information or queries, please reach out via:

• Phone: 079-23247366, 23243847, 23240253
• Fax: 079-23256679
• Email: dir-ced@gujarat.gov.in
• Website: www.ced.gujarat.gov.in

Official Reference

For more details, you can view the scheme on myScheme.gov.in.