Power Subsidy Scheme 2026

This Government of Assam scheme aims to enhance the tourist experience in tea gardens by developing infrastructure Read More... and amenities, making them attractive destinations. Read less

Details

Assam's tea gardens are more than just places to grow tea; they're potential tourism hotspots! Recognizing this, the Assam government has launched a scheme to unlock the full tourism potential of these lush estates.

What Is This Scheme?

The "Promotion and Development of Tea Tourism Infrastructure in Assam" scheme is all about transforming selected tea gardens into prime tourist destinations. The idea is to offer visitors a complete tea garden experience, complete with comfortable stays in heritage bungalows featuring modern amenities. Think of it as a package deal where you can enjoy nature walks, try tea tasting, visit modern tea factories, and even get your hands dirty by plucking tea leaves!

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is primarily for private tea garden owners and companies in Assam who are keen on developing their properties as tourist attractions. Leaseholders can also apply if their lease has at least 15 years remaining.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This initiative is crucial for several reasons. It aims to preserve Assam's rich heritage and environment while creating much-needed employment opportunities, especially in rural areas. By developing tea tourism, the state can boost its economy and showcase its unique cultural and socio-economic landscape, including the traditions of its tea tribes, to the world.

Objective

This Government of Assam scheme aims to enhance the tourist experience in tea gardens by developing infrastructure and amenities, making them attractive destinations.

Benefits

20% subsidy on power bills (on the power charges, excluding any duty and taxes, but not on the total bill), subject to a maximum of ₹ 5,00,000 per annum per Unit whichever is lower.

The subsidy will be provided for a period of 3 years from the date of commencement of operations or from the date of notification of this policy whichever is later.

NOTE 1:The benefits under this scheme are subject to budgetary allocation. No Promissory Estoppel shall be applicable if benefits are discontinued in case the allocation is exceeded.NOTE 2:Only expenditure incurred during the operation of the Policy will be eligible for the rebate.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Owners of Private Tea Garden companies are eligible to apply.
If the tea garden is leased, the leaseholder can apply, provided the lease has at least 15 years remaining from the application date.
The tea garden company, owner, or leaseholder must be willing to implement a tea tourism project.
Iconic or heritage tea gardens will be given preference.
Ideally, tea gardens should be 50 hectares or larger. For hill districts, this can be reduced to 25 hectares.
Tea gardens must be free from legal disputes, encroachment, and industrial pollution.
Tea gardens located near reserved forests, wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks, or other major tourist destinations/circuits will be preferred.
Tea gardens that already possess significant tourist infrastructure, such as heritage bungalows or golf courses, will be given preference.
Assistance is exclusively for renovating iconic bungalows and developing new tourism infrastructure.
Preference will be given to local workers for employment in tea tourism-related activities linked to the Tea Garden.

How To Apply

The application process involves submitting a detailed proposal. The scheme is implemented by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC). Selected tea gardens will receive government assistance on a 50:50 sharing basis, with the government's share capped at ₹ 2 Crore. Funds are released in three installments based on project completion milestones. For the final installment, detailed reports and documentation are required.

Fund Release Schedule:

First Instalment (20%): Released upon completion of 30% of the total estimated project work, verified by ATDC engineers.
Second Instalment (40%): Released upon completion of 70% of the total estimated project work, verified by ATDC engineers.
Third and Final Instalment (40%): Released after 100% completion of approved works, upon submission of the final progress report and bills, certified by ATDC engineers.

For the final installment, specific documents like photographs of the development stages, geo-tagging records (if applicable), and 100% work completion reports must be submitted.

For further details and to submit your application, please refer to the official channels of the Assam Tourism Development Corporation.

Documents Required

Voter ID, PAN Card, and Aadhaar Card (applicant's identity proof).
A roadmap or Google Maps snapshot showing the location from the nearest prominent place or main road.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Circle Officer/DC.
Police Verification Report of the applicant.
Photographs of proximate tourist attractions or places of interest.
Demand Draft of ₹ 5,000/- (Non-Refundable) in favour of Managing Director, Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., Guwahati.
Proper land documents of the tea garden (certified copy of deed/land document like patta/namjari).
Lease agreement, if the tea garden is on lease.
Copy of the site plan of the tea garden.
Photographs of the desired location for development.
One passport-sized photograph to be affixed on the form, and two additional photographs to be pinned with the form.
Two sets of application forms (1 original + 1 photocopy).
One self-addressed envelope.
A comprehensive proposal detailing the planned tea tourism activities and infrastructure development.
An undertaking to comply with all norms and provisions of the implementing guidelines.
Audited balance sheets of the tea garden for the last five years, certified by a Chartered Accountant (CA).
Financial soundness certificate.

FAQ’s

What kind of development work does this scheme cover?

The scheme covers the renovation of heritage bungalows and guest houses, development of the tea garden's front facade to reflect modern tourism aspects, setting up dining halls/cafeterias, swimming pools/spas, recreational facilities like angling, boating, yoga centers, and potentially golf courses. Installation of solar lights and development of tea testing facilities are also included. Any other facility deemed fit to boost tea tourism can also be incorporated.

Who makes the final decision on which tea gardens get selected?

After a thorough scrutiny and physical inspection of shortlisted gardens, the list of eligible tea gardens will be approved by the State Level Committee (SLC). The SLC is composed of senior government officials from various departments.

What are the financial aspects of this scheme?

The scheme operates on a 50:50 sharing pattern between the government and the beneficiary tea garden. The maximum government share is capped at ₹ 2 Crore per selected tea garden. Funds are disbursed in three installments based on the progress of the project work.

Will my tea garden be physically inspected before being selected?

Yes, a physical inspection of shortlisted tea gardens will be conducted by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) to assess their feasibility and suitability for the scheme before the final selection is made.

Are there any preferences given when selecting tea gardens?

Yes, preference is given to tea gardens that are iconic or heritage sites. Gardens situated near reserved forests, wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks, or other existing tourist circuits are also preferred. Additionally, gardens that already have some tourist infrastructure like bungalows or golf courses will be looked upon favourably.

What is the primary goal of this scheme for Assam's tea gardens?

The main goal is to enhance the tourism potential of Assam's tea gardens by developing their infrastructure and offering a comprehensive tourist experience, thereby boosting the local economy and creating employment.

Can a tea garden owner apply if they have only leased the land?

Yes, a leaseholder can apply if the tea garden is on lease, provided the remaining lease period is at least 15 years from the date of application. They must also be willing to undertake the tea tourism development project.

Does the scheme promote local culture and traditions?

Absolutely. The scheme specifically focuses on promoting the cultural and socio-economic aspects of the Tea Tribes of Assam, including their local traditions, food, attire, and handicrafts, to attract tourists.

How are the funds released to the selected beneficiaries?

Funds are released in three installments: the first (20%) upon 30% work completion, the second (40%) upon 70% work completion, and the final (40%) after 100% completion of approved works. All releases are subject to verification and submission of progress reports by ATDC engineers.

What is the minimum land size requirement for a tea garden to be eligible?

Generally, the ideal size for a tea garden is 50 hectares and above. However, for tea gardens located in hill districts, this requirement can be reduced to 25 hectares.

What financial documents are needed for the application?

You will need to submit the audited balance sheets of the tea garden for the last five years, certified by a Chartered Accountant, and a financial soundness certificate.

Besides infrastructure, what else does the scheme offer?

The scheme aims to provide a holistic tourist experience, which includes activities like trekking, tea tasting, visiting tea factories, and engaging in local cultural experiences. It also prioritizes involving local youth in the developed tourism activities.