Miscellaneous Schemes under Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), 2021
Purpose
This scheme supports very early-stage startups by giving them money for activities like proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization.
Features
- Financial Assistance:
- Startups → up to ₹70 lakh.
- Incubators → up to ₹5 crore.
- Eligibility for Startups:
- Must be DPIIT-recognized.
- Not older than 2 years.
- Should not have received more than ₹10 lakh support from government (excluding prize money).
- Eligibility for Incubators:
- Must be a legal entity, operational for at least 2 years.
- Facilities for minimum 25 people.
- Must have at least 5 startups physically incubating.
Preferred Sectors
Social impact, waste management, water management, financial inclusion, etc.
Benefits
Helps startups attract angel investors, venture capitalists, or loans.
One District One Product (ODOP)
Aim
Balanced regional development by selecting, branding, and promoting one product per district.
Features
- First launched in Uttar Pradesh (75 districts, traditional industrial hubs).
- Now expanded across India.
- Recently, digital ODOP gift catalogue launched.
👉 ODOP encourages districts to focus on their unique strength (e.g., mangoes from Malihabad, carpets from Bhadohi).
Scheme for Strengthening Medical Devices Industry (2024–27)
Purpose
Boost India’s medical device industry, reduce import dependency, and strengthen manufacturing.
Strategy
Supports:
- Manufacturing
- Skill development
- Clinical studies
- Infrastructure development
Sub-schemes
- Common Facilities for Medical Device Clusters – R&D labs, testing centres, animal labs.
- Marginal Investment Scheme – to reduce import dependence by manufacturing key components.
- Capacity Building & Skill Development – create a skilled MedTech workforce.
- Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme – help startups/companies conduct clinical trials.
- Medical Device Promotion Scheme – industry associations and export promotion.
👉 India is already the 4th largest medical device market in Asia, among top 20 globally.
Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)
Aim
Support states and central agencies in creating infrastructure for exports.
Features
- Type: Central Sector Scheme.
- Tenure: 2021–22 to 2025–26.
- Scope: Upgradation of export-linked infrastructure → Border Haats, Land Customs Stations, Quality Testing Labs.
- Exclusion: Projects already covered under sector-specific schemes (like textiles).
- Financial Support: Grant-in-aid up to ₹20 crore per project.
Champion Services Sector Scheme (CSSS)
Aim
Promote 12 identified Champion Services Sectors (like IT, tourism, logistics, education).
Fund
₹5,000 crore approved.
5 Pillars
- New processes → Ease of Doing Business.
- New infrastructure → Physical and digital connectivity.
- New sectors → Untapped potential areas.
- New mindset → From approvals to partnerships.
- New standards → Shape global trade in services.
Identified 12 Sectors
- Transport & Logistics, Education, Financial, Environmental, Construction, Communication, Legal, Audio Visual, Accounting & Finance, IT-enabled services, Tourism & Hospitality, Medical Value Travel.
Niryat Bandhu Scheme
Purpose
Mentor new and potential exporters (especially MSMEs).
Support
Orientation programs, counselling, facilitation sessions.
👉 It’s like a “buddy system” where the government helps beginners in export business.
National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM)
Implementing Agency
Intellectual Property Office (under CGPDTM).
Target
Imparted basic IP awareness and training to 1 million students (achieved one month ahead of August 2022 deadline).
👉 Important for innovation and knowledge-based economy.
National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)
Purpose
Build futuristic industrial cities with world-class infrastructure.
Type
Central Sector Scheme.
Projects
- Covers 32 projects in 11 corridors.
- Supported by Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC).
Key Corridors
- DMIC – Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (Western DFC).
- AKIC – Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (Eastern DFC).
- Others – CBIC, BMIC, ECEC, etc.
Implementation
Special Purpose Vehicle: NICDC under DPIIT.
SPICED Scheme (Sustainability in Spice Sector)
Purpose
To boost spice exports, especially cardamom, and improve value-added products with global market quality.
Components
- Productivity improvement of cardamom (small & large).
- Post-harvest quality upgrades.
- Capacity enhancement for market expansion.
- Trade promotion technological interventions.
- Research, capacity building & skill development.
Beneficiaries
Farmers, startups, SMEs, entrepreneurs.
Tenure
Until 2025–26, implemented by Spices Board.
Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) Initiative
Purpose
A digital platform where all stakeholders of the startup ecosystem (startups, investors, mentors, service providers) can collaborate.
Benefits
- Easier discovery of opportunities.
- Enhanced interaction & networking.
- Supports government in creating a strong startup ecosystem.
Key Features (BHASKAR Digital Registry)
- Largest centralized startup registry.
- Networking & collaboration hub.
- Resource hub with access to tools and knowledge.
- Personalized BHASKAR ID for tailored experiences.
- Global outreach → promotes India as an innovation hub.
SWAYATT Initiative
Meaning
SWAYATT stands for Start-ups, Women and Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions.
Aim
Promote startups, women entrepreneurs, and youth participation in government procurement via GeM (Government e-Marketplace).
North-East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS)
Aim
Promote industrialization in North-Eastern States.
Sectors Covered
Manufacturing + Services.
Benefits under NEIDS
- Central Capital Investment Incentive.
- Central Interest Incentive.
- Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive.
- Income Tax reimbursement.
- GST reimbursement.
- Employment Incentive.
- Transport Incentive.
👉 Technology-based monitoring ensures transparency.
Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) for Agricultural Products
Aim
Help agricultural exporters by covering international freight and marketing costs.
Benefit
Reduces disadvantage of high transportation costs in exports.
Coverage
All exporters registered with relevant Export Promotion Council.
Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP)
Type
Central Sector Scheme (till 2026).
Objective
Modernize and expand India’s leather and footwear industry.
6 Key Components
- Sustainable Technology & Environmental Promotion (STEP).
- Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS).
- Mega Leather Footwear & Accessories Cluster (MLFACD).
- Brand Promotion.
- Development of Design Studios.
- Establishment of Institutional Facilities (EIF).
RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products)
Purpose
Refund taxes and duties paid by exporters (like mandi tax, coal cess, VAT) that are not refunded under any other scheme.
Features
- Ensures zero rating of exports (no taxes should be exported).
- Replaces MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India Scheme) and RoSCTL (Rebate of State & Central Taxes and Levies).
- MEIS was WTO non-compliant → hence replaced.
Advance Authorisation Scheme
Implementing Agency
DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).
Purpose
Allows exporters to import inputs duty-free, provided these are used in making export products.
Key Points
- Inputs can include raw materials, packaging, fuel, oil, catalyst.
- Covers both manufacturer exporters & merchant exporters tied to manufacturers.