Van Dhan Kendras (VDKs)
Formation :Under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY), VDKs are established by organizing tribal gatherers into SHGs. Each VDK typically comprises 10-15 SHGs, with each SHG consisting of up to 30 members.
Registration :VDKs operate under the framework of PMVDY and are generally facilitated by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) in collaboration with state agencies. Formal registration processes may vary and are often coordinated by these facilitating agencies.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
Formation :FPOs are collective organizations of farmers that aim to enhance their bargaining power and market access. In Assam, the formation of FPOs is promoted under various schemes, including the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER).
Registration :FPOs can be registered under the Companies Act, 2013, as Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) or under the Cooperative Societies Act. Registration provides legal status, enabling them to avail benefits under government schemes.
Licensing for Wood-Based Industries
The Government of Assam mandates that all wood-based industries obtain a license to operate legally.
Application Process
Registration
Unit Registration
- Provide details about the enterprise, including ownership type (proprietary, partnership, private, etc.).
- Specify the industry type (Primary or Secondary).
- Enter personal details, including Aadhaar and PAN information.
Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- For primary wood-based industries, prepare and upload a Detailed Project Report.
- Fill out the DPR form and upload necessary documents.
- Upon approval, pay an online fee of ₹5,000.
Application Submission
- After DPR approval, submit the Primary Wood-Based Industry (WBI) application form online.
- Pay the applicable application fee based on the industry type.
Fees
Application Fees
- Sawmill and others: ₹5,000
- Veneer mill, Hardboard manufacturing unit: ₹10,000
- Plywood Mill, Match manufacturing unit: ₹10,000
License Fees
- Sawmill and others: ₹1,00,000
- Veneer mill, Hardboard manufacturing unit: ₹2,00,000
- Plywood Mill, Match manufacturing unit: ₹4,00,000
Green Fund Fee
- Calculated based on the horsepower (HP) used in the industry.
Required Documents
- Sales Tax/Income Tax Clearance Certificate.
- Detailed Project Report (for primary industries).
- Self-attested copies of necessary documents (each not exceeding 2MB in size).
Timelines
The entire process, from application submission to license issuance, is designed to be completed within 60 days, provided all documents are in order and submitted promptly.
Contact Information
Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF)
- Address: Aranya Bhawan, Panjabari, Guwahati, Assam-781037
- Phone: 0361-2730337
- Email: pccf.assam@gmail.com
Environmental and Forest Clearances
Depending on the scale and nature of operations, certain forest-based enterprises may require environmental and forest clearances.
Application Process
Submit proposals online through the PARIVESH portal.
Timelines
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued guidelines to streamline the approval process, aiming to reduce processing times.
Required Documents
- Detailed Project Report.
- Land ownership or lease documents.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (if applicable).
- Forest clearance documents (if applicable).
Additional Considerations
Compliance with the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891
Ensure adherence to the provisions outlined in the regulation, which governs forest conservation and management in the state.
Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs)
Engaging with JFMCs can provide insights into sustainable practices and community involvement in forest management.
By meticulously following these procedures and maintaining the required documentation, manufacturers in Assam's forest-based sector can streamline their operational workflows, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to sustainable forest management.
