Ans : The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises is implementing a "Digital MSME" Scheme for promotion of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) in MSME Sector and motivate MSMEs to adopt ICT tools and applications in their business processes.

The scheme is revolving around Cloud Computing which is emerging as a cost effective and viable alternative in comparison to in-house IT infrastructure installed by MSMEs. In cloud computing, MSMEs use the internet to access common as well as tailor-made IT infrastructure including Applications/Services which can greatly help MSMEs in almost every facet of their business.The scheme also has provision to give subsidy of Rs. 1 lakh per unitfor user charges for a period of 2 years.

Ans : The MSME sector is the backbone of the Indian Economy and one of the prime drivers of employment. Despite its apparent success in the last couple of years, Indian MSME sector is facing many challenges. Apart from the traditional problems, they are also increasingly exposed to international competition. Therefore, MSMEs in India – as everywhere else - need to improve their competitiveness by taking a variety of measures. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is one of the important measures, which can greatly help MSMEs in almost every facet of their business.

In general, ICT applications have become essential for any enterprise that has to sustain or grow in a global environment.

Ans: Scheme guideline available at - http://www.dcmsme.gov.in/Digital_MSME_ICT.pdf

Ans: No, there is no registration fee in this scheme for MSMEs.

Ans: Yes all MSME Sectors/Cluster will be benefited under this Scheme.

Ans: Initially, following four applications will be made available to MSMEs through various service providers:
1. ERP
2. Accounting
3. Manufacturing/ Design
4. Regulatory Compliances including GST
More applications may be added need based in due course of time.

Ans: MSMEs may visit the Web Portal http://www.digitalmsme.gov.in/

At the home page of Web Portal MSMEs can view all the offered applications under this scheme with their monthly subscription cost.

There is option for MSME to get registered and access thee applications/services under this Scheme.

Ans: Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum Number is mandatorily requirement for registration on Digital MSME ICT Scheme. You can not register on Digital MSME ICT Web Portal without UAM and not eligible for any subsidy. Please use below link for UAM Registration: http://udyogaadhaar.gov.in/

Ans: No, without having valid UdyogAadhar Memorandum Number MSMEs can not participate or register in this Scheme.

Ans: To encourage MSMEs to use Cloud Computing for ICT applications, it is proposed to provide subsidy of Rs. 1 lakh per unit for user charges for a period of 2 years. The benefits accrued through implementing ICT for subsidy period in their enterprises will motivate MSMEs to continue to use the ICT application with their own expenses after this period. Cloud Computing services will be provided in three categories:

i. With Subsidy – Max. Subsidy of Rs. 1 lakh per unit will be disbursed over a period of 2 years to Micro and Small Enterprises.

ii. Without Subsidy - Services through Cloud at ultra low cost will be offered to the desirous Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

iii. Market Cost – Services through cloud at Market Cost will be offered to the desirous Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Ans: The rate of subsidy will be as follow:

Ans: MSMEs initially will make full payment to Cloud Service Providers. Subsidy as per guidelines will be disbursed to in the account of MSMEs through DBT route

For apply the subsidy, MSME’s have to login on Digital MSMEICT Web Portal.After login in Web Portal there is tab for Apply for Subsidy. MSME’s have to click apply subsidy tab and provide required details i.e Months for applying, Application & CSP Name etc.

After scrutiny, TCIL will transfer the Subsidy amount to the MSMEs account.

Ans: MSME will receive invoices of full amount from CSP every month or quarterly, and MSMEs initially will make full payment to Cloud Service Providers. Latter on subsidy amount will transfer to MSMEs account by Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT).

Ans: Yes, all the necessary training will be provided.

Ans: Yes MSMEs will have the option to select the Application/Service provider from the empanelled Cloud Service Providers list.

Ans: Yes MSMEs can exit from scheme at any time and MSMEs will get their data in prescribed format.

Ans: No, there is No penalty clause.

Ans: No it is not mandatory, it is a voluntary scheme.

Ans: The scheme is applicable for all states/UTs of India.

Ans: TCIL is acting as Implementing Agency (IA) and the core component of the Scheme i.e. Cloud Computing will be implemented by TCIL, under the overall directions of O/o Development Commissioner MSME.

Ans:You can directly contract to Cloud Service Provider.

Ans:For scheme related queries email at - digitalmsme@tcil-india.com

Ans:Yes Additional 10% Subsidy will be provided.