Assam is entering a new phase of industrial development. With improving connectivity, rising demand for manufacturing and services, and the rapid growth of logistics hubs in places like Guwahati, Amingaon, Changsari, Baihata, and Sonapur, the state is becoming an attractive destination for businesses. To accelerate this momentum, the Government of India launched the UNNATI Scheme 2024 (Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme), aimed specifically at boosting industries across India’s Northeast.

UNNATI is one of the most powerful industrial incentive schemes introduced for the region. It supports both manufacturing and service sector units, encourages new investments, and helps existing units expand. For Assam, this scheme opens significant opportunities in sectors such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, warehousing, IT services, education, engineering, agro-based industries, and more.

This article explains the UNNATI Scheme in simple, easy-to-understand language — including benefits, eligibility, incentives, and how enterprises in Guwahati and Assam can take advantage of it.

What Is the UNNATI Scheme 2024?

UNNATI is a Central Government initiative to promote industrialization in all eight Northeastern states, including Assam. It encourages businesses to set up new units or expand existing ones by offering capital subsidy, interest subsidy, and GST-based incentives.

The scheme aims to reduce the cost of doing business, support long-term industrial growth, and create employment opportunities across the region. Unlike earlier schemes, UNNATI places equal emphasis on manufacturing and service industries.

Scheme Duration:

2024 – 2034

Application Window:

9 March 2024 – 31 March 2026 (or until funds are exhausted)

Why UNNATI Is Important for Assam

Assam has strong potential to become the industrial hub of Northeast India. Its advantages include:

• A large consumer base in Guwahati
• Access to all NE states via road, air & waterways
• Proximity to international borders (Bangladesh, Bhutan)
• Expanding e-commerce and logistics networks
• Strong agricultural and natural resource base

The only major barrier for industries has been higher logistics costs and high initial investment. UNNATI helps solve these challenges by offering financial support that makes setting up or expanding an industry much more feasible.

Key Incentives Under the UNNATI Scheme

UNNATI provides three major financial incentives:

1. Capital Investment Incentive (CII)

This helps reduce the upfront investment needed for land development, plant, and machinery.

Zone B districts, which are less industrially developed, receive higher subsidies to promote growth.

2. Capital Interest Subvention (CIS)

This reduces the loan interest burden for industries.

• Zone A: Up to 3% interest subsidy
• Zone B: Up to 5% interest subsidy
• Applicable for 7 years
• Eligible loan limit: up to ₹250 crore

This is extremely useful for large and medium units that depend on bank financing.

3. Manufacturing & Services Linked Incentive (MSLI)

This incentive rewards performance and is based on Net GST paid.

• Zone A: Up to 75% refund
• Zone B: Up to 100% refund
• Available for 10 years

This encourages industries to increase output and maintain steady operations.

Which Sectors Are Eligible?

UNNATI supports a wide range of industries, making it suitable for diverse business plans in Assam.

✔ Manufacturing Sectors

• Food processing
• Packaging and printing
• Plastics, bamboo & rubber products
• Pharmaceuticals
• Textiles and garments
• Engineering and fabrication
• Mineral-based units
• Renewable energy equipment

✔ Service Sectors

• IT / ITeS / BPO
• Logistics and warehousing
• Tourism and hospitality
• Healthcare services
• Education and skill development centres
• EV charging infrastructure
• Testing and training facilities
• Repair and maintenance services

Assam’s growing service economy makes these incentives especially valuable in Guwahati.

Minimum Investment Requirement

To qualify for UNNATI:

• Manufacturing units must invest at least ₹1 crore in plant and machinery.
• Service units / micro enterprises must invest ₹50 lakh in physical assets.

This makes the scheme accessible to both medium and smaller businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

Your business can apply if:

• The unit is located in Assam or another NE state
• It is a new unit or an expansion project
• The sector is included in the positive list
• Land/lease documents are available
• DPR and investment details are provided

Companies registered as proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, Pvt Ltd, or Public Ltd are eligible.

How to Apply for UNNATI – Step-by-Step

1. Register on the UNNATI Portal

Basic business and project details must be submitted.

2. Upload Required Documents

This includes DPR, land papers, registration certificates, and machinery details.

3. Project Appraisal

Authorities review eligibility and DPR quality.

4. Approval

Once approved, incentives like CII and CIS are sanctioned.

5. Start Commercial Operations

MSLI benefits begin after production starts.

6. Submit Claims for Reimbursement

Documents must be submitted as per guidelines.

The process is transparent and designed to make approvals faster.

Why UNNATI Is a Great Opportunity for Guwahati & Assam Businesses

✔ Lower cost of setting up industries

Subsidies make manufacturing and services more affordable.

✔ Strong support for expansion projects

Existing industries in Assam can expand operations with reduced financial pressure.

✔ 10-year incentive window

Long-term GST-based support increases profitability.

✔ Encourages industries in smaller towns

With higher subsidies in Zone B, districts outside Guwahati receive strong incentives.

✔ Boosts job creation and regional development

UNNATI supports inclusive economic growth across Assam.

How Jagati Group Helps Investors Under UNNATI

Jagati Group supports businesses looking to set up units in Assam by offering:

• Strategically located industrial land parcels suitable for manufacturing & service units
• Ready-to-lease warehouses for logistics and distribution operations
• Support with location selection based on connectivity and business needs
• Guidance during due diligence and documentation

With its strong market presence across Guwahati and Assam, Jagati Group helps businesses secure the right property for their industrial or logistics projects.

Conclusion

The UNNATI Scheme 2024 is one of the most impactful industrial development schemes introduced for Assam and the Northeast. Whether you’re a manufacturer, service provider, or investor looking to expand, UNNATI offers meaningful financial support that reduces risk and improves profitability.

With the right location, the right property, and the right support, industries can grow faster in Assam — and Jagati Group is well-positioned to help businesses find strategic land or warehouse options that fit their long-term goals.