West Bengal Fisheries Investment Policy, 2015 for Micro, Small, Medium & Large Enterprises in Fisheries Sector

Registered I'{o. WB /SC-2 4 7 No. WB (Part-t)/201 5/S AR-224 WsLhutu wbe ildrtqqTil Extraordinary Published by Authority Guttttt nAISTHA 141 THURSDAY JUNE 4,2OI5 ISAKA r937 PART l--{rders and Notifications by the Governor of West Bengal, the High Cour! Govemment Treasury etc. GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL Department of Fisheries, BENFISH Tower, Sth Floor,31, G N. Block, Salt Lake, Sector-V, Kolkata-70O 091. No. 1 273 -Fi sW C-Il 9R-2 1201 5 Kolkata, the 4th June, 2015. NOTIFICATION Whereas the Govemor is of the opinion that it is necessar)'to formulate Fisheries Policy to extend financial support for promotion of Industries in Fisheries Sector in the State. \ou. therefore. the Governor is pleased to sanction and approve the implementation of a new Investment Policy under \\-est Bengal Fisheries Policy, 201 5 for Micro, Small, Medium & Large Enterprises in fisheries sector in the whole of S-est Bengal for substantive development in fisheries sector through various innovative initiatives and to promote a conducive investment climate in the State and to provide global competitive edge to this sector. 1. Title of the Policy : The Policy may be called the West Bengal Fisheries Investment Policy, 2015 for Micro, Small, Medium & Large Enterprises in Fisheries Sector (hereinafter referred to as "WBFIP - 201 5 for MSMLEs in Fisheries Sector"). 2. Object The object of the Policy is to extend fiscal incentives to encourage entrepreneurs for setting up new Micro, Small, Medium & Large Enterprises in Fisheries sector with a view to encourage the dispersal of such enterprises to lesser developed areas as well as in order to propel the growth of the Fisheries Sector in the State. 3. Definitions & Explanations: Definitions : In the WBFP -2015 for MSMLEs in Fisheries Sector unless the context otherwise requires (D "Approved Project" means the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of a unit in the Fisheries sector. Such projects should be approved before implementation by the Directorate under the Deptt. of Fisheries, Govt. of West Bengal. THE KOLK}^TA GAZETTE, EXTRAORDINARX JUNE 4, 2OI5 [Penr I (iD (iii) (iv) (v) "Central Govemment" means the Government of India ,,Eligible Unit/Enterprise" means a micro, small, medium & large enterprise in Fisheries Sector been found eligible as per terms and conditions of wBFIP -2015 for MSMLEs in Fisheries Sector' ,,Capital Investment,, means investment made in plant and machinery in an appror ed project of the eligible univenterprise on and from the date of publication of notification in Kolkata Gazene' ,,Miero Unit / Enterprise" in the Fisheries Sector means a unitienterprise having inl'estment of Rs. 15 lac & above uPto Rs' 1 cr' (vi) .,Small unit/enterprise,, in the Fisheries Sector means a unit/enterprise having investment above Rs. I er & uPto Rs. 5 cr' (vii) ,.Medium univenterprise" in the Fisheries Sector means a univenterprise having investment above Rs. 5 cr. & uPto Rs. 10 cr' (viii)..Large unit/enterprise,, in the Fisheries Sector means a unit/enterprise having investment above Rs' l0 cr' (ix) ..State Government,, means the Governrrrent of West Bengal (xi) ..year,, means, unless otherwise specifically mentioned / stated and not repugnant to the context' the fina"ncial year commencing from the lst April and ending on 3lst March following' Explanation - I The "Capital Investment" shall be calculated as follows: The cost of plant and machinery as found installed at the approved location, excluding the cost of any second hand plant and machinery purchased and installed for the purpose of implementation of the project. The cost of the following items shall be excluded while calculating the investment made in Plant & Machinery: a) Equipments such as tools, jigs. dies. moulds and spare parts for maintenance and the cost of consumable stores. b) Installation of Plant and Machinery' c) Research and development equipments and pollution control equipments' d) power generation set and extra transformer installed by the enterprise as per the regulations of the State ElectricitY Board' e) Bank charges and service charges paid to the National Small Industries corporations or the State Small Industries CorPoration' f) procurement or installation of cables, wiring, bus bars, electrical control panels (not mounted on individual machines), oil circuit breakers or miniature circuit breakers which zre necessarily to be used for providing eleetricalpowertothePlantandMachineryorforsafetymeasures. g) Gas Producer Plant' h) Transportation charges (excluding Sales Thx orvalue added tax and excise duty) for indigenous machinery frorn ihe place of their manufacture to the site of the enterprise. i) charges paid for technical knowhow for erection of Plant and Machinery' j) Sueh storage tanks which store raw materials and finished products only and are not linked with the manufacturing Process k) Fire fighting equiPments' Explanation - II The "Power Subsidy" shall be calculated as follows : The average of the last 12 (twelve) months' electrieity energy (in Kwh) consumed by the enterprise immediately prior to the date of actual commercial operation of the expansion pioject would be first assessed' The current electricity energy (in Kwh) consumed by the enterprise from the date of actual commercial operation ofthe expansion project would Penr Il THE KOLKATA GAZETTE, EXTRAORDINARY JUNE 4, 2OI5 then te a-.sessed. The difference between current electricity energy (in Kwh) (after actual commercial operation of the esparsion project) and the average of last 12 (twelve) months' electricity energy (in Kwh) actually consumed by the en:::prise immediately prior to the date of actual commercial operation of the expansion project, would be considered for ;r ailing of power subsidy at the rate and period stipulated in the West Bengal Fisheries Policy - 2015 for Micro, Small, \ledium &Large Enterprise in Fisheries Sector. Explanation - III The 'Work Force Welfare Assistance" will be calculated as follows : The reimbursement of expenditure specified above will be payable annually based on minimum statutory limit subject to the condition that the enterprise has paid its contribution towards ESI and EPF on due dates. .Employee'wi|l have the same meaning as defined under "Employees'Frovident FundAct, 1952" and "Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948". 4. Commencement and Durafion: Unless spccillcaiiy nenrioned against rhe respective items of incentives sanctioned under the WBFIP -20i5 for \f S\tLEs in Fisheries Secror. ir.-ornes into elTect on and lrom the date of publication of notification of effective date in Kolkau Gazette in the * ho.e ci \\ est Bengal and shall remain in force for a period of next five years, if not withdrawn/ amended earlier br a \otiicarion in the offrcial Gazette to that effect. 5. Applicabili{'of \\'BFIP - 2015 for MSMLEs in Fisheries Sector. 4.1 The \tBFIP -101-l for MSMLEs in Fisheries Sector shall generally be applicable to all micro, small, medium & larye enterprises in the Fisheries Sector which have started production on and from the the date of publication of notification of effective date in Kolkata Gazetle as a fish/prawn seed producing hatchery or aquaculture unit. 4.2 The units may be in the private sector, co-operative sector and joint sector undertaking as also companies / undertakings owned and managed by the State Governrnent and the fishery Self Help Groups or Fish Production Groups. 6. Conditions/ Eligibility for availing assistance Under this policl' the follou'ing conditions to be strictly maintained to avail ineentives and concessions a Unit must be a fish prann seed producing hatchery or aquaculture unit. o if any subsidy'admissible. is not covered by any other department, will be provided from this department. o Unit will have to strictly observe requisite pollution control compliances a Modem/Hi-Tech Plant & Machinery is to be installed to confirm the standard productivity O Unit will have to commit to remain in production at least for five (5) years from the date of commercial production. o Fish Seed/ Fish produetion should be for authenticated fish species and should maintain hygienic practices / norms. o Regular energy audit should be conducted and standard energy effrciency is to be ensured wherever applicable o Unit will have to follow applicable laws/ labour laws a Defaulting unit in payments of govemment revenues will not be eligible for assistance under this policy o Any benefit by way of incentives enjoyed by any unit from any other department of the State/Central Government shall, however, be adjusted while determining the entitlement of such units under the W B Fisheries Policy-20l 5 and in no case the amount of incentive under different items in aggregate should exceed total Capital Investment THE KOLK}iIAGAZETTE, EXTRAORDINARY' JUNE 4' 2OI5 [Panr I 7. Classification of Areas: List Zones The districts have been divided into 5 (five) Zones for differential treatment under the west Bengal Fisheries Investment Policy. Considering the needs of inclusive g,o*r', the policy provides additional incentil.es for investment in fishery potential regions ofthe state a. b. c. d. e. Zone-C Districts *Hooehll *Hou'rah *Banlura Zone-D Districts 'Pur:: \ieJinipur '\or:h lj ParEanas 'So;::" lJ Par-:ana: *\ {,.--}-:::;:-l \1--:1.-s;'gs *\g::: * B urJi\\ 3: *Unar Dinai:.r *Dakshin Dinajptr *Malda *Sili guri Mahakuma Parisad Zone-E District *Coochbehar * including Municipal / Corporation areas The West Bengal Fisheries Investment Policyo 2015 Investment in f,rsheries Implementation of the fisheries policy will require significant financial resources. Arn investment climate and a long term investment programme for the sustainabt. n-'unug.*"nt and deveropment of the fishe.ries sector in the state will be created. pubric, private sector and community based investment in the fisheries sector ths$ is environmentally' socially and economically sustainable will be promoted' The following policy intervention will be made: D Maximization of private rnvestment on Government properties and nrivalS properties for setting up of Modern Fish Seed Production Units, Hatcheries, ornamental Fish Production Farm, Aquaculture in big water bodies, at micro, small, medium and large scale of industries' ii) The state government shan continuousry work towards enabring business environment in the following manner: ProvidingabetterandmoreoonducivebusinessenvironmentforFisheriesSector. Introduction of timelines defined in respect of all clearances' Reducinglabourdisputes'strikefreeandhasslefreeconducivebusinessenvironment. Encouraging joint ventures with private sector in entire value chain of the Fisheries Industry' creating marketing infrastructure and support through setting up haats' fisheries parks and facilitating participJion of state's fisheries sector in fairs/exhibitions' Enhancing the quality of human resource through training and skill development programmes' Developing export processing zones' An Investment cell 0f Fisheries Directorate (rnvestment promotion Unit) will look into private investment related issues and maintain riaisons with other line departments for obtaining necessary clearances' f. ob' h. 8. Land PolicY Investment in the Govt' Land Land A'otment policy 20r2 of west Bengai wilr be annricau,^r1 to the land owned or held by Fisheries Department or any agency funded by Fisheries Departmentlln this regard the following steps will be taken: *Jalpaiguri *Alipurduar *Birbhum *Purulia *Paschim MediniPur *Darjeeling Hill Distriets (GTA) Penr Il THE KOLKATA GAZETTF., EXTRAORDINARY JL|NE 4,2015 8.1 llethodologv for Expression of Intercst: . . Suitable available Water Bodies/Land of this Department would be transferred to the investors by the Govemment by' rvay of long term lease for a maximum period of 30 years. 2. For pisciculture in big water bodies held by Fisheries DepartmenVCollector, will be leased for fish production to private sector on terms mentioned in the I-and Reforms Manual. 3. The Fisheries Directorate with concurrence of the Fisheries Department will invite Expression of Interest (EOI) for setting up industry/farm from the Industrialists/ entrepreneurs/investors. 4. Final decision will be taken as per West Bengal Land Allotment Policy- 2012 in regard to transfer of land by way of short term/ long term lease. West Bengal Land & Land Reforms Manual will be followed for processing land transfer on lease. 5. No ieased land shall be kept rdle indefinitely' and *'ill not be allowed for other than Fishery related industry. From the date of lea-se document registration and handing over the possession, construction of unit should start u ithin 6 monrhs and pro,Juction shail be started u ithin a maximum period of 2 years, failing which the land/ * ater bodl u ill be rer erted back to the state. 8.2 \Iodels of Investment on Land/Water Resources of Fisheries Department 1. Short term lease/Long Term Lease to Private investors. 2. A State Level Committee constituted by the Fisheries Department will study the scope, feasibility, profitability, soeial effect etc. of investment proposals" 8.3 Investrnent in Frivate Land Fisheries Department will encourage investment in Fisheries Sector on private land purchased or held by private owner and will extend all kinds of applicable assistances/incentives according to the West Bengal Fisheries Investment Policy, 2015. Setting up of Fish seed production unit / aquaculture farm in potential areas will be more beneficial for the investors as there is more government assistance available. 9 Fiscal incentive and Concessions for Fish Seed Hatchery / Aquaculture Farm 9.1. Micro (Rs. 15 lakh & above upto Rs.1 crore) and Small (More than Rs.1 crore & upto 5 crore) Enterprise 9.1.1 Capital investment Subsidl Entrepreneurs settins up unis in Zones A. B. C. D & E ri'ill get subsidy on capital investment as stated below llicro Enterprise o Zone - A- 15% a Zone - B- 20Yo a Zone-C-zs% a Zone- D&E -40Yo Subject to maximum of Rs. 20 lakh for all zones. Small Enterprise o Zone-A-10% a Zone -B - l5oA a Zone-C-200A o Zone-D -30Yo a Zone-E-50V:o However, all these concession are subject to ma.ximum of Rs.60 lakh for all zones excepting Rs. I crore for zone E. o 20Yo additional subsidy on admissible subsidy for all micro and small enterprises wholly owned by women and SC/ST communify. THE KOLKATA GAZETTE,EXTRAORDINARY, JTINE 4' 2015 [Pr-t: I 9.1.2 ElectricitY DutY Approved projects in various zones will be entitled to waiver duty on electricity consumed for tlre pncrci-r:rn operation activity as shown in below Micro EnterPrise a zone A&B - \I}%waiver of electricity duty on the electricity consumption for 6 years' o zone c,D & E - Lll%waiver of electricity duty on the electricity consumption for 7 years' Small EnterPrises a zone A&B- g00z waiver of electricity duty on the electricity consumption for 5 years' o zone c,D & E - Ill%waiver of electricity duty on the electricity consumption for 5 years' 9.1.3Power subsidY o Subsidy of Rs. 1'00/Kwh for units in Zone- A' B o Subsidy of Rs' l'50/Kwh for units in Zone- C' D & E For 05 years; subject to a ceiling of Rs. 30 lakh per annum for micro enterprises, Rs' 40 lakh per annum for small enterPrises 9.1.4StamP DutY Entrepreneurs will be entitled to refund of stamp duty and regi^stration fee paid b1' them for regisralion of documertt: within the state for purchase and acquisition of lund and buildings for setting up appro'ed projects in the follou-ing re':es: Micro EnterPrise a Zone - A- 30% a Zone-B - 55% O Zone-C- 80% o Zone-D&E -100% Small enterPrises o Zone-A-zs% . Zone-B-50% o Zone-C -75% o Zone -D '90oh o Zone-E- 100% g.l.5Reimbursement of Value Added Tax OAT) MicroandSmallScaleunitswillbereimbursedtheamountpaidforVATasfollows: a zone A-60% vAT refund paid for g years or 7 5%oof fixed capital Investment whichever reached ea-rlier' o zoneB-T1yoygrefundpaidforgyears or'Tlvooffixedcapitallnvestmentwhicheverreachedeartrier' o zone c- g0% vAT refund paid for g years or 7 So/oof fixed capital Investment whichever reached ea'riier' a zone D &. E - gfJ%vAT refund paid for g years or 7 So/oof fixed capital Investment whicher-er reached earlier. 9.1.6Waiver of Land conversion Fee* The payment of conversion fee for converting the land from agrieulture to fisheries / aquaculture use including for development orrorre.re, industrial areas / IntegratJd Fishery Zones i'y private investors will be waived as detailed belo*': o Zone-A-25% o Zone-B - 50% o Zone-C -75Ya o Zone-D &E-90% *The waiver of conversion fee will be on reimbursement basis after implementation of projects' Pnnr Il THE KOLK},TA GAZETTE, EXTRAORDINARY, JTINE 4,2015 9.1.7 Central Sale Tax (CST) Total refund for 3 years from the date of commencement of commercial production. 9.1.8 Work force welfare assistance Reimbursement of 100% in lst year &75% in next remaining years expenditure incurred towards Employees State Insurance (ESI) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) as follows: Zone A-3 years,Zone B - 5 yrs., Zane C - 7 yrs.,Zone D&E-9yrs. 9.2 Medium (above Rs. 5 crore & upto Rs. 10 crore) Enterprise 9.2.1 Capital investment Subsidy Entrepreneurs setting up units in Zones A, B, C, D & E will get subsidy on capital investment as stated below O Zone -A- 5o/o o Zone -B - 10% a Zone-C-15% o Zone-D &E -24% However, all these concession are subject to maximum of Rs. 75 lakh. 9.2.2Electricity Duty Approved projects in various zones will be entitled to waiver duty on electricity consumed for the production/ operation activity as shown in below )a!as o Zone A&B - 80% waiver of electricity duty on the eleetricity consumption for 4 years. a Zone C, D & E - 100% waiver of electricity duty on the electricity consumption for 4 years. odrul 9.2.3 Power subsidy ;adA1 a Subsidy of Rs. l.00iKwh for unir in Zone- A, B a Subsidy of Rs. 1.50/Kwh for units in Zone- C, D & E rarllO For 05 years; subjeet to a eeiling ofRs. 50 lakh per annum 9.2.4 Stamp Duty salas Entrepreneurs will be entitled to refund of stamp duty and registration fee paid by them for registration of documents ar dx3 within the state for purchase and acquisition of land and buildings for setting up approved projects in the following rates: ' zone-A-2oo/o )oll{"lN o Zone -B - 45% o Zone -C - 7o% Jrsac o Zone-D&E-80% 9.2.5Reimbursement of ValueAdded Tax (VAT) Entrepreneurs will be reimbursed the amount paid for VAT as follows: o Zone A -60% VAT refund paid for 8 years or 7 S%oof fixed Capital Investment whie hever reae hed earlier. o ZoneB - 70%VN refund paid for 8 years or 75Yo of fixed Capital Investment whiehever reaehed earlier. o Zone C - 80% VAT refund paid for 8 years or 7 5%o of fixed Capital Investment whie hever reached earlier. o Zone D & E - 90% VAT refund paid for 8 years or'75%6 of fixed Capital Investment whichever reached earlier. THE KOLKI^TA GAZETTE, EXTRAORDINARY, JI.INE 4, 2OI5 9.2.6Waiver of Land conversion Fee* The payment of conversion fee for converting the land from agriculture to fisheries / aquaculture use including development of fisheries industrial areas llntegrated Fishery Zones by private investors will be waived as detailed bel a Zone-A-25%io o Zone-B - 50% O Zone-C-75yo o Zone- D&E -90% *The waiver of conversion fee will be on reimbursement basis after implementation of projects. 9.2.7 Central Sale Tax (CST) Total refund for 3 years from the date of commencement of commercial production 9.2.8 Work force welfare assistance Reimbursement of 100% in lst year &75% in next remaining years expenditure incurred towards Employees S Insuranee (ESI) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) as follows: Zone A- 3 years, Zone B -5 yrs., Zone C-7 yrs., Z D&E-9yrs. 9.3 Large (above Rs. 10 crore) Enterprise 9.3.1 Capital investment Subsidy No direct capital investment subsidy will be applicable; however, assistance as available under WBSSIS -201: the form of Industrial PromotionAssistance will be applicable. 9.3.2 Electricity Duty Assistance as available under WBSSIS.20l3 will be followed. 9.3.3 Power subsidy o Subsidy of Rs. 1.00/Kwh for units in Zone- A, B o Subsidy of Rs. 1.50/Kwh for units in Zone- C, D & E For 05 years; subject to a ceiling ofRs" 75 lakh per annum 9.3.4Stamp Duty Assistance as available under WBSSIS, 2013 will be followed 9.3.5Reimbursement of ValueAdded Tax (VAT) No direct reimbursement of VAT will be applicable, however, assistance as available under WBSSIS -2013 in form of Industrial Promotion Assistance will be applicable. 9.3.6Waiver of Land conversion Fee* The payment of conversion fee for converting the land from agriculture to fisheries / aquaculture use including development of fisheries industrial areas llntegrated Fishery Zones by private investors will be waived as detailed bel o Zone- A-25% a Zone-B - 50% o Zone-C - 75yo o Zone-D&E-9004 *The waiver of conversion fee will be on reimbursement basis after implementation of projects. lPe Penr Il THE KOLKATA GAZETTE, EXTRAORDINARY JUNE 4, 2OI5 9.3.7 Central Sale Tax (CST) No direct Central Sale Tax refund will be applicable, howeveq assistance as available under WBSSIS -2013 in the form of Industrial Promotion Assistance will be applicable. 9.3.8 Work force welfare assistance Assistance (i.e. Additional incentive on generation of employment) as available under WBSSIS, 2013 will be followed. 10 Power to amend and./or relax Notwithstanding anything contained in any of the provisions of WEIFP - 2015 for MSMLEs in Fisheries Sector the State Government may at any time (i) modi$, vary, alter, amend or withdraw any of the provisions made here in above in this Scheme and such modihcations, variations, alterations, amendments and withdrawal shall be effective from the date specified in the order so made in this behalf. (ii) make any relaxation in applying the provisions of this Scheme but such relaxation shall be made on merits of the approved project in each case, as the State Government may consider necessary and appropriate. (iii) may issue instructions and guidelines to facilitate implementation, to remove anomalies and to clariff the interpretations of the provisions of this Scheme. 11 Repeal. In the event of WBSTAct, 1956lWBVATAct, 203 / CSTAct, 1956 / Entry TaxAct being replaced by any otherAcq the provision of the Scheme will apply mutatis mutandis even after the new Act comes into force. This scheme is issued with the concurrence of the Finance Department vide their U.O.No. Group: A-l/2015 -2015 10172, Dated. 05ll2l14 and Cabinet approval vide U.O.No. CABA/I -2072, Dated. l4l0lll5. By order of the Govemor, SUMANTA CHAUDHURI, Principal Secretary to the Government of West Bengal. Published by Department of Fisheries, West Bengal and printed at Saraswaty Press Ltd. (Government of West Bengal Enterprise). Kolkata 700 056.