MSME Ministry to keep an eye on businessmen availing govt subsidy for foreign trips

Ludhiana, Sep 5 (KNN) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ministry would keep an eye on businessmen who avail subsidy for international trips numerous times during the year for participating in trade fairs and exhibitions in foreign countries against one-time rule under the Union government's International Cooperation Scheme (ICS).

The information was given by the chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) of National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) Ravindra Nath, who was in Ludhiana for an interaction with the industrialists recently.

Nath made it clear that centre's new data bank portal for maintaining the data of micro, small and medium industrial units of the country will not only help in ensuring that the benefits of the government schemes are passed on to the eligible industrialists, but at the same time it will also keep a watch on those misusing government subsidies.

Commenting on the issue Rajnish Ahuja, President of Focal Point Industrial Sheds Association told KNN India “It is a wrong attitude of some businessmen and genuine ones suffer due to this. Other people do not get opportunities."

He revealed that they keep the name same but change the organisation details. This is the complete misuse of the Government scheme.

Ahuja suggested that the government should check the details of one year data.

"There are many people who did not bring any technology, not upgraded the machinery. This misuse should be checked," he said.

Though NSIC Chairman didn't mention by when the system will be fully in place, he confirmed that as per rules a member of a business association can avail the subsidy just once in an year.

Under the scheme, industry/enterprise associations/registered societies/trusts and organizations associated with promotion and development of MSME sector which are at least three years old are eligible to avail the subsidy which is 100% of economy class airfare subject to a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh or actual paid amount (which so ever is lower). (KNN Bureau)