The Interest Subsidy on Term Loan is a key sub-component of the West Bengal Incentive Scheme launched by the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal on 22nd February 2021. Aimed at boosting self-employment and tourism-led entrepreneurship in the state, the scheme provides financial incentives in the form of interest subsidies on term loans taken from approved financial institutions. The scheme is valid until 31st December 2025.

Key Highlights of WB Incentive Scheme for Interest Subsidy

• Scheme Name: Interest Subsidy on Term Loan (Under West Bengal Incentive Scheme)

• Launched By: Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal

• Effective From: 22nd February 2021

• Valid Till: 31st December 2025

• Subsidy Amount:

  • Group A & B: 50% of interest (up to ₹25 lakh/year for 5 years)

  • Group C & D: 60% of interest (up to ₹25 lakh/year for 7 years)

  • Special Areas: 75% of interest (up to ₹30 lakh/year for 7 years)

• Mode of Application: Online via Shilpasathi Portal

• Eligible Units: New or expanding tourism units, hotels, resorts, etc.

Benefits of the Loan Subsidy Scheme

• Interest Reimbursement:
  Eligible tourism units receive annual reimbursement of a percentage of the interest paid on term loans.

• Maximum Limit:
  Subsidy capped at ₹25–30 lakh per year, depending on project location.

• Duration:

  • 5 years for Group A & B

  • 7 years for Group C, D & Special Areas

• Encouragement to Startups:
  Helps aspiring entrepreneurs become job creators by supporting their investment burden.

Note: Loans for second-hand machinery or hire-purchase are not eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

• The unit must be a new or expansion project established on or after 22nd February 2021.

• Hotels that began operation between 7th January 2015 to 31st December 2020 but couldn’t avail benefits under the 2015 scheme can apply.

• The project must be:

  • Approved and sanctioned by commercial banks, central/state financial institutions.

  • Backed by a detailed project report and feasibility report.

• The unit must obtain:

  • Registration Certificate

  • Date of Commencement Certificate

  • Eligibility Certificate from West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Limited

Who are not eligible

• Units already registered under any previous incentive scheme are not eligible.

• Units with pending applications under WBIS 2015 will only be considered under that scheme.

• No benefits for projects using second-hand machinery or hire-purchase equipment.

How to Apply Online via Shilpasathi Portal

Registration Process

1. Visit Shilpasathi Portal and click ‘Apply Online’

2. Click ‘Create New’ for new users

3. Select business entity type (Industry/Commercial/Charitable/Government)

4. Enter the registration number and fill out the User Registration Form

5. Complete signup and login using User ID & Password or Mobile OTP

Application Process

1. Log in to the Shilpasathi dashboard

2. Click on ‘All Services’ and select ‘Tourism Incentive’

3. Create a CAF ID and click ‘Apply Online’

4. Fill in the Common Application Form

5. Upload required documents and click Save & Continue

6. Review the application and tick the Declaration checkbox

7. Click Submit

8. Receive notifications via SMS and email throughout the application process

9. After final approval, download the Registration Certificate from the portal

Necessary Documents for Application

For Registration & Eligibility Certificate:

• Memorandum & Articles of Association / Partnership Deed

• List of directors/partners/owners

• Project Report with financials

• NOC from Pollution Control Board & Fire Service

• Loan Sanction Letter (if applicable)

• The last 3 years’ audited balance sheets with IT acknowledgment

• Building & machinery estimates (Govt valuer)

• Land documents (Deed, Mutation, ROR, Conversion, Site plan)

• Sarai Registration Certificate (for hotels)

• GST Certificate and Returns

• Sanctioned Building Plan

• Valid Trade License

• Government clearances (Forest, CRZ, Police, etc.)

For Interest Subsidy Application:

• Bank Certificate (Annexure-A) confirming interest payment on term loan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the special areas under this scheme?
A: Designated zones notified as Special Areas by the state are eligible for a 75% interest subsidy.

Q: Can I avail benefits if I have already received incentives under another scheme?
A: No, tourism units that received incentives under other schemes are not eligible.

Q: What is the eligibility for hotel units that started earlier?
A: Hotels that started operations between 07.01.2015 to 31.12.2020 but were not covered due to technical barriers can apply.

Q: What is the process to claim the subsidy?
A: After obtaining all three certificates, apply online using the portal and submit the bank certificate proving interest repayment.

Q: Can I apply for multiple projects with one user account?
A: Yes, multiple applications can be submitted under the same login credentials.

Q: How is the project location classified (A, B, C, D)?
A: Classification is based on district and area development status; refer to the official zone list in the guidelines.

References & Useful Links

• Silpasathi Portal – Official Site

• User Manual – Incentive Application Guide

• Official FAQs

Helpdesk Contact

• Address: Protiti, 23, Abanindranath Tagore Sarani, Kolkata – 700017

• Phone Number: +91 33 2255 3700

• Email ID: [email protected]

• Technical Queries: [email protected]

• Toll-Free Number: 1800-345-5562