National Handicrafts Development Programme: Direct Benefit to Artisans - Supports to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances
This Ministry of Textiles scheme provides monthly financial support of up to ₹8,000 to elderly master craftspersons who have received national/state handicraft awards but are now in financial difficulty. It is designed to give security to senior artisans during their old age when they can no longer earn from their craft. Applications are invited annually through Handicrafts Service Centres and Regional Offices.
About This Scheme
This Ministry of Textiles scheme provides monthly financial support of up to ₹8,000 to elderly master craftspersons who have received national/state handicraft awards but are now in financial difficulty. It is designed to give security to senior artisans during their old age when they can no longer earn from their craft. Applications are invited annually through Handicrafts Service Centres and Regional Offices.
Full official description
The scheme "Direct Benefit to Artisans - Supports to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances" is a component of the Umbrella Scheme "National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)" by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India. The scheme is introduced to support the artisans during their old age. The scheme is designed to give a boost to the handicraft sector in India. Assistance of upto ₹8,000/- per month is granted to the Artisans in Indigent Circumstances in the form of monthly allowance or lump sum grant or both, through PFMS/DBT.
Benefits
- Monthly financial assistance of up to ₹8,000 (as monthly allowance, lump sum grant, or a combination of both)
- Disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) / Public Financial Management System (PFMS) directly to bank account
- Support is ongoing (not a one-time payment) — annual application/renewal required with income certificate
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a master craftsperson who has received at least one of: Shilp Guru Award, National Award, Merit Certificate, State Award, or a comparable honour
- Must be aged 60 years or above on the date of application (age may be relaxed for artisans with disabilities)
- Annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹1,00,000 in the previous financial year
- Must not be receiving similar financial assistance from any other government source
How to Apply
The applications from the eligible master craftsperson would be invited every year by making wide publicity through advertisement. Step 1: The eligible artisan should take print of the prescribed format of the application form. Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required). Step 3: The interested applicant should submit the duly filled and signed application form and the documents to the Handicrafts Service Centre/Regional Office. Step 4: On receipt of the application, necessary entries will be made in the application receipt register and a unique number is assigned to the applicant for identifying each applicant which shall be used for all further references and also as acknowledgement for the receipt of the application.
Post-Application Processes
Step 1: On receipts of applications inspections will be done by the field officer. Step 2: The applications completed in all respects shall be processed within 30 days. On the recommendation of the Regional Director, the Core Committee under the Chairmanship of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) would finalize the selection of the master craftsperson for financial assistance. Step 3: The financial assistance will be disbursed through the in-charge in the respective field formation of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). *If there is any gap in extending the financial support due to non-submission of income certificate/enhancement of income criteria, the applicant has to apply as a fresh application according to the financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the financial assistance disbursed to selected artisans?
Financial assistance is disbursed through the In-charge in the respective field formation of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) following the finalization of selection by the Core Committee.
How are the applications by the artisans processed after submission?
Upon receipt, applications undergo inspections by field officers. Completed applications are processed within 30 days, and a Core Committee finalizes the selection of master craftspersons for financial assistance based on recommendations from the Regional Director.
How often do artisans need to submit income certificates and affidavits for seeking financial support?
Master craftspersons are required to submit income certificates and affidavits duly countersigned by a First-Class Magistrate every financial year to continue receiving financial support.
What documents are required to be submitted along with the application form?
Applicants need to submit documents such as a photograph, self-attested copy of handicrafts award certificate, income certificate, proof of age, disability certificate (if applicable), and an affidavit in the prescribed format attested by a First-Class Magistrate.
How much financial assistance is provided to eligible artisans under this scheme?
Eligible artisans can receive assistance of up to [?]8,000/- per month in the form of a monthly allowance or lump sum grant, facilitated through PFMS/DBT.
What is the primary objective of the "Direct Benefit to Artisans - Supports to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances" scheme?
The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to master craftspersons facing indigent circumstances during their old age, thereby supporting their livelihood and welfare.
Can artisans receive financial assistance from other sources while availing benefits under this scheme?
No, artisans receiving similar financial assistance from any other source are not eligible to receive benefits under this scheme.
Can the financial assistance be revoked if the artisan's income exceeds the specified limit?
Yes, if the artisan's income exceeds [?]1,00,000/- in the preceding financial year, they may no longer be eligible to receive financial assistance under the scheme.
Can artisans use the financial assistance for any purpose?
Yes, artisans are free to use the financial assistance for their livelihood and welfare needs as they deem fit.
Is there any restriction on the duration for which artisans can receive financial assistance?
As long as the artisan meets the eligibility criteria and submits the required documents annually, they can continue to receive financial assistance.
How is the financial assistance disbursed to eligible artisans?
Financial assistance is disbursed through PFMS/DBT in the form of a monthly allowance or lump sum grant, depending on the preference of the artisan.
What is the maximum amount of financial assistance provided to eligible artisans?
Eligible artisans can receive financial assistance of up to [?]8,000/- per month in the form of a monthly allowance or lump sum grant.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Photograph.
- Self-Attested Copy of the Certificate of Handicrafts Award bestowed by the Central/State Government.
- Income Certificate.
- Document for Proof of Age.
- Disability Certificate, in case of Physically Handicapped Artisan.
- Affidavit Duly Attested by the First-Class Magistrate in the Prescribed Format.