Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for assistance to MSMEs: EPF Reimbursement to MSMEs

DETAILS The "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for MSMEs" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat. It aims to empower the state's dynamic MSME sector, which significantly contributes to employment, GDP, and exports. Effective from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027, this initiative supports growth, investments, and the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat." The component "Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification" provides reimbursement of the employer's statutory contribution under the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) to eligible MSMEs for their new employees in Gujarat. BENEFITS 100% Reimbursement: Covers 100% of the employer’s statutory EPF contribution for new employees. Maximum Limit: Reimbursement capped at 12% of basic salary plus Dearness Allowance (DA) or ₹1800 per employee per month, whichever is lower. Extended Support: Assistance is available for up to 10 years from the date of commercial production. ELIGIBILITY The firm must be a Micro/Small/Medium enterprise. The enterprise must have obtained acknowledgment or registration from the Ministry of MSME or the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), as applicable. New manufacturing enterprises or existing ones undertaking expansion or diversification are eligible. The enterprise must commence commercial production during the scheme's operative period. Exclusions MSMEs that have availed EPF reimbursement under any scheme of the central/state government, or any agency of the central/ state government, shall not be eligible for EPF reimbursement under this scheme for that period.