images

22 Apr 2023

Coir Industry Technology Upgradation Scheme (CITUS)

Objective of CITUS

The objectives of this component include:

  • Providing modern infrastructure facilities to the production units which will result in the improvement of productivity and quality.
  • The new generation of entrepreneurs.
  • Modernising and improving the existing coir units.
  • Supporting and establishing of new ‘State-of-the-Art’ Coir Processing Units.
  • Promoting the development and installation of IT, including enterprise resource planning (ERP).
  • Spreading the industry to new potential areas of development.
  • Promoting the enhancement and utilization of available raw material.
  • Creating more employment opportunities especially for women living in rural areas.
  • Making the Coir Industry integrated and more competitive by providing modern technologies.
  • Achieving the target of a pollution-free coir industry with technological advancements.
  • Supporting the production of high-value customer-oriented products and services.
  • Facilitating the adoption of eco-friendly production techniques.

Nature of Assistance

The financial assistance provided under this scheme is 25% of the cost of admissible items of ‘Plant and Machinery’ procured by the Coir units for modernization, upgradation or establishing a new unit. The maximum financial assistance will be of Rs.2.50 crores per coir unit/project.

Eligibility for CITUS Scheme

All coir production or processing units that are newly established are eligible to apply for this assistance. All coir production or processing units that are registered with the ‘Coir Board’ under ‘Coir Industry’ (Registration) Rules 2008 and are having 'Udyog Aadar are eligible to apply for the financial assistance available under this scheme for modernisation.

Other Conditions

  • Financial assistance should be within the investment limits prescribed for Small and Medium Enterprises under the MSME Act from time to time.
  • On submitting the application, the officers of the Coir Board will inspect the unit, verify the documents and finalise the quantum of assistance as per the guidelines.
  • The equipment and motors should meet minimum standards of BIS which are prescribed from time to time.
  • The upper limit for this assistance is Rs.2.5 crores.
  • The machinery/equipment procured can be sourced from the choice of entrepreneurs with a valid invoice with GST details. Machinery can also be imported for which the unit shall substantiate the reason for the import of machinery.
  • The suppliers should give a guarantee for at least two years.
  • The entrepreneurs should not have availed any financial assistance under Central Government subsidy under PMEGP, CUY, DPI, TUF etc. for the same purpose.
  • If the original documents are with banks on hypothecation, the application can be attached with the copies duly attested by the Manager of the bank.
  • The selection of beneficiary shall be purely on merits and the rankings given by the “Project Steering Committee.”

Nodal Agency of CITUS

Coir Board, Kochi is the Nodal Agency. The various components of CITUS will be implemented through the Regional/Sub-regional Offices of the ‘Coir Board’. Technical interventions will be provided by Central Coir Research Institute (CCRI) (Kalavoor) and Central Institute of Coir Technology (CICT) (Bangalore) and other such institutes that are engaged in the promotion and development of the coir industry. The main components will be periodically monitored by the Coir Board and the Ministry of Micro, MSME, Government of India.

Documents Needed

  • The filled-in application form
  • The certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant
  • The certificate by the Coir Unit

On submitting the application, the officers of the Coir Board will inspect the unit, verify the documents and finalise the quantum of incentive as per the guidelines. The acceptance or rejection will be communicated to the applicant within 15 days, and the reason for rejection will be provided from the Coir Board.