Cluster is a group of enterprises located within an identifiable & as far as practicable contiguous area& producing same/similar products/services.

There are two schemes of Government of India & one scheme from Government of Maharashtra. These are:

1. Micro, Small Enterprises – Cluster Development Programme (MSI-CDP): Ministry of MSME, Government of India
2. Industrial Infrastructure Up gradation Scheme (IIUS) : Ministry of Industry & Commerce (Department of Industries Policy & Promotion)
3. Maharashtra State Industrial Cluster Development Programme (MSI-CDP) : Government of Maharashtra, Industry, Energy & Labour Department)

1. Minimum 10 Micro, Small working units in same or similar sector located within an identifiable and as far as practicable, contiguous area
2. Existing clusters in Zone 'D', 'D+', 'No Industry District' & 'Naxalite Affected Area' as per PSI-2013.

The benefits under MSE-CDP are as below:

1. To conduct Soft Intervention (SI) Programme:

Maximum limit of the approved project cost for SI is ₹ 10.00 lakhs which includes GoI grant @90% & Beneficiaries contribution @10%.

2. Hard Intervention (Common Facility Center (CFC)):

Maximum Grant in aid from Govt. of Maharashtra for setting up of CFC is limited to ₹05.00 crores or of 70% of the approved project cost whichever is lower.

3. GoM grant will be 80% for clusters with 100% micro units /more than 50% Women owned units

General Manager, District Industries center of concerned district will initiate & guide for the cluster proposals.

It is not required to have existing formal association / group to initiate cluster project. After decision to implement cluster project & confirming the eligibility, the special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), legal entity is required to form.

The main programmes that are being implemented are Soft Intervention & Hard Intervention (Setting up of Common Facility Center (CFC)).

Yes. Any new entrepreneurs from the related activity can join the cluster programme at any stage.

Special Purpose vehicle (SPV) is a legal entity registered under the company act 1956. SPV is an open ended entity. The main purpose of SPV is to execute, maintain, and run the CFC.

No any direct cash benefit is given to the individual unit under the Cluster Development Programme.

The cluster with more than 50% women entrepreneurs / 100% micro units will get additional financial support as explained above.

• Soft Intervention : 18 months
• Hard Intervention (CFC) : 24 months

The equipments of CFC are purchased through the E-tendering procurement system. A Purchase Committee is formed under the chairmanship of concern Joint Director of the Industries, Regional Office.

The maximum limit of the shareholding of each member of SPV, should not be exceed 10%.

Minimum mandatory contribution of stakeholders (SPV members) required under MSI-CDP is 10%.

• DSR approval (Soft Intervention Programme):

State Level Cluster Monitoring Committee under the Chairmanship of Development Commissioner (Industries)

• DPR Approval (Hard intervention programme)

Steering Committee under the chairmanship of Secretary (Inds), Govt. of Maharashtra.