Govt launches scheme to promote tech upgrade in MSMEs
The Technology Acquisition and Development Fund (TADF) scheme under the national manufacturing policy was launched on Wednesday by Commerce Minister Nirmala SitharamanAs part of efforts to encourage domestic manufacturing, the government has come up with a new scheme which will help small enterprises in adopting green and energy-efficient technologies as well as global patents. The Technology Acquisition and Development Fund (TADF) scheme under the national manufacturing policy was launched on Wednesday by Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. “TADF is a new scheme to facilitate acquisition of clean, green & energy efficient technologies, in form of technology / customised products / specialised services / patents / industrial design available in the market available in India or globally, by Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” a Commerce Ministry statement said on Thursday. According to the Minister, the scheme would facilitate acquisition of clean and green technologies by micro, small and medium units across the sectors and thus, bridge the technological gap at an affordable cost. The scheme is conceptualised to catalyse the manufacturing growth in MSME sector and push ‘Make in India’ initiative. It would be implemented through Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA), a joint venture company. As per the scheme, small entrepreneurs can avail reimbursement up 50% or Rs. 20 lakh of their cost incurred on technology transfer. In-direct support for technology acquisition through patent pool- financial support will be provided in acquiring of technology/patent from across the globe based on applications received from MSMEs. “Technology/patent will be licensed to selected companies, with a mutually agreed value and the selected companies will get a subsidy of 50% of the mutually agreed value or Rs.20 lakhs,” the statement said. The scheme is also meant for units engaged in manufacturing of environment-friendly equipment. The government will provide subsidies for manufacturing devices used in controlling pollution, reducing energy consumption and water conservation. Such manufacturing units will be provided with a subsidy of up to 10% of capital expenditure incurred on new plant and machinery subject to a maximum of Rs.50 lakh. Under the Green Manufacturing – Incentive Scheme, the government will facilitate resource conservation activities in industries located in NIMZ (National Investment and Manufacturing Zone). The government will also introduce incentives for energy/ environmental/ water audits, construction of green buildings, implementation of waste treatment facilities and renewable energy projects through financial support under the TADF.
November 19, 2015 |3:29pm IST
to success.