Every year, the government allocates significant funds under footwear subsidy schemes for machinery, branding, design, and expansion.
Yet, most businesses receive nothing not due to ineligibility, but due to lack of awareness.
The real loss is not missing a subsidy, but not knowing it existed.
If you are a footwear manufacturer, you may have already missed valuable benefits. However, new opportunities are expected.
This guide tells you exactly what you missed, why it happened, and how to make sure it never happens again.
What the Government Offered And What Most Owners Never Claimed
What is IFLDP
IFLDP is a ₹1,700 crore government scheme that supports footwear and leather manufacturers through machinery upgrades, design, branding, and export growth.
Key Schemes Under IFLDP
| Scheme |
What It Offered |
Max Benefit |
| IDLS |
30% grant on plant & machinery investment |
Up to ₹15 crore per unit |
| Brand Promotion |
Support to promote Indian footwear brands globally |
Crores in marketing support |
| Design Studios |
Funding for in-house design capabilities |
Direct grant support |
| ADEETIE |
Interest subsidy on equipment upgrade loans |
Up to 5% interest relief |
All of these schemes were active. All had fixed deadlines.
Yet, most footwear manufacturers never applied.
Not because they were not eligible but because they were not aware.
Real Example: A footwear manufacturer in Agra invested ₹50 lakh in machinery.GST refund for footwear manufacturers is also available on inputs. Under IDLS, up to 30% (~₹15 lakh) could be claimed as a government grant, subject to eligibility, documentation, and approval. This amount does not require repayment.
Real Example: A small footwear manufacturer in Kanpur upgraded his production unit by investing ₹20 lakh in new machinery. Under the IDLS scheme, he was eligible for approximately 30% subsidy, i.e., around ₹6 lakh as a government grant. This amount was credited after successful installation, documentation, and approval with no repayment required.
Why Most Footwear Manufacturers Never Claimed These Benefits
It is rarely about eligibility. In fact, most footwear businesses that missed these subsidies were fully eligible to apply.
The real problem is not eligibility it is awareness and preparation.
Here’s what actually happens:
- No one informs you Government schemes are published on official portals not on WhatsApp, ads, or mainstream news. If you’re not actively tracking them, you simply don’t know they exist.
- The paperwork feels overwhelming Applications require MSME registration, project reports, bank details, GST filings, and investment proof. Many business owners start the process but don’t complete it.
- Deadlines pass silently There are no reminders or follow-ups. Once the application window closes, the opportunity is gone permanently.
- “It’s not for businesses like mine” mindset Many business owners assume subsidies are only for large companies. In reality, schemes like IDLS and ADEETIE are meant for MSMEs as well.
In our experience, over 70% of eligible footwear manufacturers never apply for subsidies simply due to lack of awareness and preparation.
Why Subsidy Awareness Is Broken in India
The issue is not the lack of government schemes it is the lack of awareness and proactive tracking.
- Government publishes schemes on official portals
- Consultants act only when approached
- Businesses often learn about schemes after deadlines
As a result, even eligible manufacturers miss out despite available funding.
Schemes exist, but most businesses never reach them on time.
This is not a funding problem it is an information and execution gap.
That’s exactly what GetMyCA solves.
Government Platforms Exist But Awareness Still Fails
Platforms like the National Single Window System (NSWS) officially list multiple government schemes for footwear industry in India including IFLDP in one place. NSWS has assisted hundreds of investors in accessing schemes like IFLDP, yet many footwear manufacturers still remain unaware.
Why? Because knowing a portal exists is different from actively tracking it. Most business owners don’t have the time to monitor scheme updates, check eligibility changes, or prepare documents in advance.
| Method |
Problem |
| Government Portals |
Hard to track regularly |
| News Updates |
Delayed information |
| Consultants |
Reactive approach |
| GetMyCA |
Proactive tracking & alerts |
Platforms like NSWS have made schemes easier to access, but many businesses still miss out due to lack of awareness and delayed action.
Not sure if you missed a subsidy? GetMyCA can evaluate your eligibility in 24 hours free of cost.
Call: +91-80173-90173
Are You Ready for the Next Subsidy?
Before the next scheme opens, make sure these are in order:
GetMyCA can help you get application ready before the next scheme opens.
Why Trust GetMyCA?
- 1,000+ footwear & MSME clients served
- Operating since 2015
- Specialists in subsidies & compliance
- End-to-end application support not just advice
We have assisted many business owners just like you and the next one could be you.
Never Miss a Subsidy Again Stay Connected with GetMyCA
GetMyCA has been helping footwear manufacturers navigate government schemes and compliance since 2015.
- Track every new scheme relevant to your business
- Alert you before deadlines not after
- Handle the entire application process end to end
- Ensure your MSME and compliance records are always application-ready
Don’t wait for the next scheme to close. Be ready before it even opens.
Call: +91-80173-90173 getmyca.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all IFLDP schemes closed now?
The current IFLDP phase ended March 2026. No new phase has been officially announced yet.
Q: Can small manufacturers apply for these schemes?
Yes. Most IFLDP schemes were specifically designed for MSMEs and small footwear manufacturers.
Q: What documents are needed?
Common documents include MSME registration, GST certificate, project report, bank details, and machinery/investment proof. Exact requirements may vary based on the scheme.
Q: How does GetMyCA help?
GetMyCA helps you track relevant schemes, evaluate eligibility, prepare complete documentation, and manage the application process end-to-end ensuring you don’t miss deadlines or opportunities.
Q5: Is subsidy a loan? Do I need to repay it?
No. Subsidies like IDLS are government grants and do not require repayment, provided all conditions and guidelines are followed.
Q6: Can I still apply for IFLDP now?
No. The current phase ended in March 2026. However, similar schemes may be introduced in the future.
About the Author
Paras Nagpal
Business Consultant, GetMyCA
Email: [email protected] | Phone: +91 87500 70012
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Tax laws and rules are subject to amendments.
About GetMyCA
GetMyCA Consultants Private Limited is a trusted business consultant based in New Delhi, serving clients across India since 2015. GetMyCA is helping entrepreneurs with hassle-free GST refund claims since 2018. Our team of qualified Chartered Accountants has successfully recovered stuck credits for businesses across pharma, footwear, corrugated box manufacturing, and e-commerce sectors.
Our Services: GST Registration & Compliance, Company Registration, Tax Consulting, Accounting Services, Business Compliance, FSSAI Licensing, MSME Registration, and specialized GST Refund Solutions.
Office: NS-21, Basement, Mianwali Nagar, Near Peeragarhi Metro, New Delhi ; 110087
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