The District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF) is a scheme of Arunachal Pradesh under which various innovative works are carried out. It has been launched by the Finance, Planning and Investment Department of Arunachal Pradesh.
Under this scheme, efforts are made to solve local problems. This scheme is not exactly like other schemes. DICF works based on innovation, technology, community participation, and sustainable development.
The District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF)
| Name | Detail |
| Scheme | The District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF) |
| State | Arunachal Pradesh |
| For Whom | Common Man |
| Purpose | Encourage innovative projects. |
| Benefit | Improve infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, etc. |
| Implemented Year | 2017 |
| Application Method | Offline |

Objective of the District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF):
- ➤ To create healthy competition among those responsible for the scheme, such as Deputy Commissioners.
- ➤ To design and plan various projects.
- ➤ To encourage community participation.
- ➤ To create a relationship between the local community and the government.
- ➤ To oversee whether all work is being carried out properly.
Eligibility Criteria of the District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF):
Who Can Submit Proposals?
- ➤ Deputy Commissioners can submit proposals under this scheme.
Conditions for Eligibility:
- ➦ To submit a project proposal under this scheme, it should solve an important district-level problem.
- ➦ The proposal should be on a matter that is very important for the community.
- ➦ It should demonstrate something innovative or new.
- ➦ It should create employment opportunities.
- ➦ It should encourage community participation.
- ➦ Both the plan and the budget should be realistic.
Priority Areas Under the District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF):
The areas that are given priority under this scheme are:
Create Employment:
- ➥ Employment opportunities should be created for common people.
- ➥ Their livelihood opportunities should also be improved.
Generate Revenue:
- Efforts should be made to strengthen the local economy.
Add Value to Local Products:
- Projects related to agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, textiles, etc., are given priority under this scheme.
Projects Not Eligible for Funding Under the District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF):
- âž½ Festivals are not funded under this scheme.
- âž½ Workshops are not funded under this scheme.
- âž½ Religious projects are not funded under this scheme.
- âž½ Regular construction works that do not involve anything innovative are not provided funding under this scheme.
Application and Selection Process of the District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF):
- ✔ The Deputy Commissioner has to prepare a project proposal and submit it along with the budget documents.
- ✔ After the proposal is submitted to the Planning and Investment Department, a selected committee screens it.
- ✔ The Deputy Commissioner has to present the project before the committee.
- ✔ After screening, the proposal is forwarded for approval.
- ✔ Once approved, the project work can begin.
- ✔ Regular progress reports must be submitted.
Benefits of the District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF):
This scheme has multiple benefits.
For Districts:
- âž§ Infrastructure becomes much better.
- âž§ Existing problems can be solved more regularly and effectively.
- âž§ Development becomes possible through innovative approaches.
For Communities:
- âž§ Everyone gets an opportunity to participate.
- âž§ Many employment opportunities are created.
- âž§ The local economy becomes stronger.
For Government:
- ➨ Public funds can be utilised more effectively.
- ➨ Government policies can be implemented in a better way.
- ➨ Better outcomes can be achieved from public investments.
The District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF) is a scheme of Arunachal Pradesh that is implemented through Deputy Commissioners. Under this scheme, efforts are made to solve various district-level problems. Innovative projects are encouraged under the scheme. The fund focuses on technology, innovation, employment generation, livelihood opportunities, and sustainable development. Religious projects, festivals, and similar activities are not eligible for funding under this scheme.
Important Link
FAQs
What are the benefits of the District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF)?
The benefits of the District Innovation and Challenge Fund (DICF) are that districts, communities, and the government all benefit from it. Districts get better infrastructure, communities receive employment opportunities, and the government is able to make better use of public funds.
Who can apply under this scheme?
Deputy Commissioners can submit project proposals under this fund.
Is any festival celebrated under this fund?
Under this fund, no festivals are celebrated.