Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme
₹1 lakh loan + 20–25% margin subsidy + 7% interest subsidy · handloom & handicraft artisans
Registered Handloom and Handicraft artisans in Gujarat can access loans up to ₹1 lakh at very low cost through a 7% interest subsidy and an upfront margin money subsidy of 20–25%. The scheme is meant to help artisans buy machinery, tools, equipment, or raw materials to grow their craft business. Apply offline through the District Industries Centre (DIC) of your district.
About This Scheme
Registered Handloom and Handicraft artisans in Gujarat can access loans up to ₹1 lakh at very low cost through a 7% interest subsidy and an upfront margin money subsidy of 20–25%. The scheme is meant to help artisans buy machinery, tools, equipment, or raw materials to grow their craft business. Apply offline through the District Industries Centre (DIC) of your district.
Full official description
The scheme "Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme" by the Government of Gujarat, Industries and Mines Department, aims to provide financial assistance for machinery or working capital at low interest rates with ease to workmen registered as artisans in urban as well as rural areas of the State. The scheme provides financial assistance up to a maximum credit limit of ₹1,00,000/- for machinery or working capital, or both, for purchasing raw materials, equipment, or tools for business development. It offers a Margin Money Subsidy and an Interest Subsidy at a rate of 7%. The applicant must be registered as an artisan with the Indext-C of the Cottage and Rural Industries Department and possess an Identity card issued by the Development Commissioner Handloom/Handicraft/Indext-C or a Provisional Certificate from the General Manager, District Industries Centre. The scheme is implemented by the District Industries Centre, which acts as the nodal agency. Applications for this scheme are accepted through the District Industries Centre, and financial assistance is provided through Nationalized Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Co-operative Banks, Public Sector Banks, and Private Banks.
Benefits
- Loan up to ₹1,00,000 for machinery, raw materials, equipment, or working capital
- Margin Money Subsidy: 20% (general male category); 25% (SC/ST, women, and persons with 40%+ disability)
- Interest Subsidy: 7% per annum, credited to bank account half-yearly for up to 3 years
- Benefits can be extended up to 3 more times for artisans who repay loan installments regularly
- All subsidies disbursed directly to bank account via RTGS/e-Payment
💡 Why Startups Should Care
For registered handloom and handicraft artisans, the combination of a small credit line, margin money subsidy, and interest subsidy stacks up to near-free working capital — ideal for purchasing raw materials or upgrading tools without taking on real debt.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be above 18 years of age
- Must be registered as an artisan with the Cottage and Rural Industries Department (Indext-C)
- Must hold an Identity Card from the Development Commissioner (Handloom/Handicraft/Indext-C), or a Provisional Certificate from the General Manager, District Industries Centre
- Must have skills in Handloom or Handicraft art
- Physically handicapped and blind artisans are also eligible
How to Apply
- Print the prescribed application form from the Cottage Industries website (cottage.gujarat.gov.in).
- Fill in the form and attach photographs and identity documents.
- Submit the application along with the Artisan Identity Card and other required documents to the district office.
- The office verifies documents and processes the loan and subsidy.
- On approval, funds are disbursed for machinery, tools, or raw materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age an applicant must be to qualify for this financial assistance scheme?
An applicant must be more than 18 years of age to be eligible for the scheme.
Is it mandatory for an applicant to possess a specific identity card issued by the Development Commissioner Handloom, Handicraft, or Indext-C?
Yes, possession of an Identity Card issued by the Development Commissioner Handloom, Handicraft, or Indext-C is required.
If an applicant does not have the primary identity card mentioned, can a Provisional Certificate be submitted instead?
Yes, a Provisional Certificate issued by the General Manager, District Industries Centre, is acceptable as an alternative.
What particular artistic skills are necessary for an applicant to fulfill the eligibility requirements of this scheme?
Applicants must possess skills specifically in Handloom or Handicraft art to be eligible.
Are individuals with a physically handicapped or blind status permitted to apply for and receive benefits under this scheme?
Yes, Physically Handicapped or Blind Artisans are specifically eligible to avail themselves of the scheme's benefits.
Is an applicant's current income level or financial background considered when determining their eligibility for this interest subsidy?
No, there are no specific income criteria that applicants must meet to qualify for this scheme.
Is it a mandatory prerequisite for all applicants to be officially registered as artisans to access this financial support scheme?
Yes, it is mandatory for all applicants to be registered as artisans to be eligible for the financial assistance.
Does it matter whether an applicant's artisan registration is located in an urban area or a rural area within the State for eligibility purposes?
Artisans registered in both urban and rural areas of the State are equally eligible for this scheme.
With which specific governmental department must an applicant's artisan registration be held to satisfy the eligibility criteria?
Applicants must be registered as artisans with the Indext-C of the Cottage and Rural Industries Department.
Is this financial assistance scheme exclusively designed for individuals identified as 'workmen' within the artisan community?
Yes, this financial assistance program is specifically designed for workmen who are officially registered as artisans.
Is it a condition for eligibility that an applicant's artistic endeavors are associated with a specific industry, such as cottage industries?
Yes, the scheme primarily targets artisans involved in Handloom and Handicraft activities within Cottage industries.
Must the financial assistance be sought specifically for the purpose of developing an existing or new business?
Yes, financial assistance is provided for purchasing raw materials, equipment, tools, and machinery for developing either existing or new businesses.
Is it required for an applicant to be an artisan operating within the state of Gujarat to be eligible for this scheme?
Yes, the scheme is specifically for artisans operating in urban as well as rural areas of the State of Gujarat.
Must the financial assistance specifically be intended for the purchase of raw materials for the business?
Yes, the scheme provides financial assistance for purposes including the purchase of raw materials for business development.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Two passport-size photographs
- Certified copy of election card / Aadhaar card
- Certified copy of Artisan Identity Card (issued by department)
- Bank account details
- Business/trade details