The Hindu Business Line : R&D bodies to get grant for securing accreditation in Kerala

THE State Government has drawn up a scheme for payment of grant to approved research and development institutions for getting accreditation with international quality testing agencies.

The scheme also envisages payment of grant to industrial units for acquiring quality certification from approved institutions and research laboratories.

According to officials in the Directorate of Industries, the Union Government had introduced a scheme in 1993-94 for payment of monetary incentive of Rs 75,000 to the small-scale industries for acquiring ISO and ISI certification. However, the large and medium industries are not eligible under the scheme and the new scheme proposes giving incentives to those units also.

All R&D institutions approved by the State Government as also such institutions under the small, medium and large industrial units and cluster consortia recognised by the Industries Department are eligible for the grant. The industrial units in these sectors and approved by the Industries Department can apply for grant for acquiring quality certification.

The scheme provides for one-time reimbursement of 50 per cent of the total expenditure incurred for getting the accreditation with international quality testing agencies or for acquiring quality certification from approved institutions. This will, however, be subject to a maximum of Rs 2 lakh.

In case the ISI certification is required for different products of one industrial unit, the 50 per cent subsidy will be given to each item, but subject to a maximum of Rs 2 lakh per unit.

If the industrial unit has availed itself of grant for the same purpose from the Union Government or the financial institutions or the Small Industries Development Bank of India, the remaining amount will be eligible under the scheme.

The scheme stipulates that the unit or the R&D institution receiving the grant will be under obligation to keep functioning for three years from the date of receipt of accreditation or quality certification.

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