Employment Subsidy Scheme 2017
The Employment Subsidy Scheme, 2017 is implemented by the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Government of Goa under the Goa State Incentives to Encourage Investments (Umbrella Scheme), 2017. The scheme was notified in the Official Gazette on 26th July 2018 and came into force from 1st October 2017. It remained valid for units going into production up to 30th September 2022, subject to filing claims within the validity period.
The main purpose of this scheme is to encourage industries to generate employment for Goan residents by offering wage-based subsidies. As an MSME or Startup in Goa, your business can benefit by receiving reimbursement on salaries paid to eligible Goan employees, thereby reducing operational costs and promoting local employment.
Key Features
- Eligibility of Industry Categories: The scheme covers Micro, Small, Medium and Large manufacturing units classified under White, Green and Orange categories.
- Employment-Linked Incentive: The subsidy is directly linked to the percentage of Goan employees in your workforce. A minimum of 60% Goan manpower on regular employment is mandatory to qualify.
- Progressive Benefit Structure: Subsidy increases in proportion to Goan employment between 60% and 100%. Enterprises employing below 60% Goan manpower are not eligible.
- Duration of Subsidy: The subsidy can be claimed for a maximum period of seven years, subject to general conditions of the Umbrella Scheme.
- Salary Threshold: Only Goan employees earning gross salary above ₹8,000 per month are considered eligible for calculation of subsidy.
- Annual Claim Filing: Claims must be filed yearly as per the timeline mentioned in the Umbrella Scheme guidelines.
- Budget-Based Disbursement: Benefits are subject to availability of funds and no promissory estoppel applies if budget allocation is exceeded.
Financial Assistance
Subsidy Slab (as per % of Goan Employees):
- Below 60% – No benefit
- 60% – 60% benefit
- 60% to <80% – Proportionate increase
- 80% and above – 100% benefit
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Units:
- Micro, Small, Medium and Large manufacturing industries
- Units listed under White, Green and Orange categories
- Minimum 60% Goan manpower on regular employment
- Goan employees must earn gross salary above ₹8,000 per month
- Unit must be registered under the Umbrella Scheme
Eligible Employees:
- Goan resident (as defined: born in Goa or holding 10-year residence certificate issued prior to 10 years)
- Up to 60 years of age
Not Eligible:
- Units availing Chief Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (CMRY) or similar employment schemes
- Units claiming similar benefit under any other Goa Government scheme
- Enterprises availing Department of Information Technology incentives
- Delayed claims beyond allowed timeline for final year
Documents Required
- Registration under Umbrella Scheme
- Self-declaration affidavit
- Payroll copy certified by Chartered Accountant
- Statement of Goan employees
- CA certificate of salary paid
- Audited balance sheet
- GST returns
- Certificate confirming no benefit under other schemes
- ESIC/PF returns (if applicable)
Application Process for the Scheme
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 through Offline Submission
- Obtain a prescribed application form from the Directorate of Industries.
- Fill employee details, claim period, and subsidy amount.
- Attach required CA certificates and payroll records.
- Submit to the Directorate of Industries, Trade & Commerce (DITC).
- Receive acknowledgement receipt.
- Application is scrutinised by the Task Force Committee.
- Approval and disbursement subject to verification and budget availability.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum Goan employment required?
A minimum of 60% Goan manpower on regular employment is mandatory to become eligible for subsidy under the scheme.
Is the scheme applicable to service industries?
No, the scheme is primarily applicable to manufacturing industries listed under eligible categories.
What salary level is considered eligible?
Only Goan employees earning more than ₹8,000 gross per month are considered for subsidy calculation.
What is the maximum subsidy period?
Subsidy can be claimed for a maximum period of seven years from the date of commencement of production.
Is there an annual cap?
Yes, the total subsidy payable to an enterprise is capped at ₹25 lakh per annum.
Can large enterprises apply?
Yes, large enterprises are eligible; however, the per-employee reimbursement cap is lower compared to MSMEs.