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Published on:

February 26, 2025

Alankar Mishra

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District Industries Centers (DICs) – Overview, Eligibility, Loans & Functions

To enhance micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the district level, the government of India set up District Industry Centers (DICs) in 1978. These departments work as single window agencies by registering and assisting projects in a particular district. DICs offer numerous services to entrepreneurs, including technical assistance, project identification, promotion, fundraising, and marketing. Their main goal is to help rural and urban areas grow industrially, creating more jobs and balancing inequality between regions.

Key Functions of District Industries Centres

Identification and Selection of Project

For each of their respective districts, DICs carry out feasibility studies and market surveys to identify potential industrial projects that can succeed. They help entrepreneurs select projects which make use of the available resources and capture the market.

Technical And Managerial Assistance

DICs provide technical and managerial services to entrepreneurs for effective project implementation and operational issues. This includes providing information on technology application, production, and quality assurance.

Financial Facilitation

DICs build bridges to financial help by linking small-scale businessmen with banks and other finance institutions. They assist entrepreneurs in applying for loans and in developing the necessary documents for the projects to be financed.

Licensing And Registration

DICs provide clearing services by helping the business get the necessary licenses and registrations while ensuring that requisite legal obligations are observed to reduce the red tape.

Training And Skill Development

DICs are responsible for organising and facilitating training which aims at improving the martial and technological capabilities of the prospective entrepreneurs and even the already established ones. These areas include business management and financial management for different industries and sectors, as well as technical skills.

Marketing Supports

To facilitate the marketing of the products of MSMEs, DICs sponsor exhibitions, trade fairs and buyer-seller meetings. They provide business services in the form of market information and channels of distribution.

Eligibility Criteria for DIC Assistance

The criteria for assistance from DICs are a bit different concerning specific schemes and programs. Usually, though, the criteria allow for the following:

Age: The minimum age for application is 18 years.

Educational Qualification: In some schemes, minimum qualifications, such as an 8th standard pas,s may be required.

Project Cost: The maximum eligible project cost will differ. For example, in some schemes, the limit in the case of manufacturing units is ₹25 lacks, and in the case of service units, it's ₹10 lacks.

Residency: Applicants will need to show that they have been residents of the respective state for some time, commonly not less than 3 years.

Income Criteria: Some schemes have income stipulations; for example, the family income should not exceed ₹5 lakh per annum.

Each state or scheme will have specific requirements, and it is best to check your local DIC or state industries department website for precise details.

Loan Schemes Offered by District Industries Centres

To encourage entrepreneurship and assist MSMEs, DICs execute a variety of loan schemes. Here are some notable schemes below.

1. Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

This scheme was initiated in 2008 as part of a credit-linked subsidy scheme geared towards micro-enterprises with the dual objective of self-employment and the creation of additional employment. The scheme offers a subsidy of 15 to 35% of project cost based on the category and location of the beneficiary. The maximum project cost is 25 lakh rupees for manufacturing units and 10 lakhs for service units.

2. Unemployed Youth Employment Generation Programme (UYEGP)

UYEGP was developed by different state governments to assist the socially and economically weaker groups through self-employment. The scheme has a subsidy of 25% of the project cost for setting up manufacturing, service, or business enterprises. The maximum project cost is sector-specific, with 15 lakh rupees for manufacturing and 5 lakh for service and business sectors.

3. New Entrepreneur-cum-Enterprise Development Scheme (NEEDS)

The scheme provides training on entrepreneurship, help with business plans, and funding for establishing new enterprises. The scheme is primarily targeted at educated youth to help them become first-generation entrepreneurs. It provides a subsidy of 25% of project costs subject to a maximum project cost of 500 lakh rupees.

4. Seed Money Scheme

This scheme differs from others in the sense that it focuses on self-employment projects. As such, it provides benefit rules targeted at unemployed people. Seed Money Assistance is provided for projects not exceeding 10 lakh or 15% of project cost, whichever is lower. For SC/ST/OB, C, an assistance of 20% of project cost is allowed upto a maximum of 3.75 lakh.

Additional Functions of District Industries Centres

Along with the primary functions, DICs also undertake the following activities:

Surveys and Investigations: Looking into the existing industries, available raw materials and the workforce to gain insight for industrial planning and development.

Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries: Assisting in the traditional industries development and sponsoring skill development training for rural craftsmen.

Cluster Development: Promoting the formation of industrial clusters to enhance collective efficiency and gain a competitive edge for MSMEs.

Policy Implementation: Facilitating implementation of several government programs and schemes related to industrial development at the district level.

Conclusion

District Industries Centres (DICs) have an immense impact on the development of industry and entrepreneurship in India. By providing financial, technical, and marketing help, DICs are supporting MSMEs and economic growth. Their efforts help aspiring entrepreneurs access available resources, putting them at the center of the Indian MSME ecosystem. Entrepreneurs wishing to establish or grow a business should make use of DICs to take full advantage of the opportunities offered.

FAQs

1. What is the role of District Industries Centres (DICs)?

DICs work as single agencies that provide financial help, technical assistance, and marketing support at the district level to promote and support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

2. Who is eligible for DIC assistance?

Assistance shall be offered to a qualified entrepreneur above eighteen years of age who meets the minimum educational qualification specified by the scheme (if necessary) and fulfils the set requirements in terms of the project cost and income set by the Government.

3. What types of loans are available through DICs?

DICs support MSMEs through different loan schemes such as the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme, Unemployed Youth Employment Generation Programme, and Seed Money Scheme.

4. How do DICs help in marketing support?

DICs help MSMEs by organising trade fairs, exhibitions, and meetings between buyers and sellers, offering them as well market intelligence and connections with distributors and potential clients.

5. How can an entrepreneur apply for DIC assistance?

The respective District Industries Centre provides entrepreneurs support from which they can apply for assistance after submitting a project proposal with all the required documentation and eligibility criteria.