Banglashree for MSMEs - Subsidy for Work Force Welfare Assistance (WWAS)

Banglashree for MSMEs - Subsidy for Work Force Welfare Assistance (WWAS) is a Government of West Bengal incentive under the Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Textiles, notified on 22 July 2020 and effective from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2025.

The scheme aims to support MSMEs by reducing the cost of employee welfare contributions such as EPF and ESI, thereby encouraging employment generation and formal workforce inclusion. For you as an MSME, this benefit helps lower labour costs and incentivises hiring through reimbursement of statutory contributions.

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process

Key Features

Workforce welfare subsidy: Reimbursement of employer contribution towards EPF and ESI expenses.
Employment promotion: Encourages MSMEs to hire more workers, especially through Employment Bank registrations.
Zone-based benefit period: Duration of benefits varies depending on location (Zone B, C, D, E).
Higher support in initial year: 100% reimbursement in the first year to reduce initial burden.
Focus on formal employment: Incentivises compliance with labour laws and social security systems.
Annual reimbursement system: Benefits are provided annually after verification of payments.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation
EPF & ESI Contribution Reimbursement	100% (1st year), 75% (subsequent years)	MSME gets reimbursement of employer contribution towards EPF & ESI. Example: If ₹2 lakh paid in EPF/ESI → ₹2 lakh reimbursed in Year 1, ₹1.5 lakh in later years.
Duration of Benefit	5–9 years (based on zone)	Zone B: 5 years, Zone C: 7 years, Zone D & E: 9 years. Longer support for backward areas.

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a Micro, Small or Medium Enterprise (manufacturing sector)
Must be located in West Bengal
Must have Udyog Aadhaar / Udyam Registration
Must have commenced production on or after 01 April 2019
Project must be approved by competent authority / financial institution
At least 50% employees must be from Employment Bank of West Bengal
Must comply with labour laws and statutory requirements (EPF/ESI payments)

Additional conditions:

Enterprise must remain operational for minimum 5 years
No default in financial or statutory obligations

Non-eligibility conditions:

Enterprises not registered under MSME
Non-manufacturing units
Enterprises violating scheme conditions

Documents Required

Udyam / Udyog Aadhaar Registration Certificate
Project approval documents / DPR
EPF & ESI contribution records
Employment Bank registration details of employees
Bank account details
CA certificate / financial documents (if required)

Application Process

Option 1: Apply with Bullit, Recommended

Start instantly with our guided application support, where our team verifies eligibility, prepares documentation, and coordinates with the Industries Department on your behalf. Using our business loans and compliance calendar, you can track progress while focusing on project execution, we manage the application end-to-end.

Option 2: Apply Online (Government Process)

Register with District Industries Centre (DIC)
Fill prescribed application form (Form-A)
Submit details of EPF and ESI contributions
Upload required documents
Submit application
Verification and inspection by DIC
Approval of eligible subsidy amount
Annual claim submission with proof of payment
Disbursement of subsidy to bank account
Track application status through DIC