National Handicrafts Development Programme: Infrastructure And Technology Support: URBAN HAAT
Local bodies, cooperative societies, and producer companies can apply for a central government grant of up to ₹8 crore to set up an Urban Haat — a permanent, year-round marketplace for handicraft artisans and handloom weavers to sell directly to customers and tourists. The implementing agency contributes 20% of the cost and must provide land. Submit a proposal to the nearest Handicraft Service Centre (HSC).
About This Scheme
Local bodies, cooperative societies, and producer companies can apply for a central government grant of up to ₹8 crore to set up an Urban Haat — a permanent, year-round marketplace for handicraft artisans and handloom weavers to sell directly to customers and tourists. The implementing agency contributes 20% of the cost and must provide land. Submit a proposal to the nearest Handicraft Service Centre (HSC).
Full official description
The scheme "Infrastructure and Technology Support: URBAN HAAT" is a Component/Sub-Scheme under the Umbrella Scheme "National Handicrafts Development Programme". The objective of this component is to set up a permanent marketing infrastructure in towns/ metropolitan cities to provide direct marketing facilities to handicrafts artisans/handloom weavers. This will enable them to sell their products around the year to a wider target audience (or customer segment). There will be an adequate number of stalls selling authentic Indian cuisine from various regions in the country by rotation.
Benefits
- Up to ₹8,00,00,000 (₹8 crore) per Urban Haat unit
- Funding split: 40% from DC(Handicrafts) + 40% from DC(Handlooms) + 20% from implementing agency
- Special areas (NER, J&K, Ladakh, A&N Islands, Lakshadweep): 45% + 45% funding, only 10% from agency
- Renovation support up to ₹2.5 crore (fully funded by DC offices)
- Infrastructure includes 50–80 stalls, dormitory for 100 craftspersons, food court, cultural stage, and conference room
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a local statutory body, apex cooperative society, national-level apex society, or a producer company supported by the DC Handicrafts office
- Must have a minimum audited annual turnover of ₹1.5 crore for three consecutive years (exempted for Central/State Government agencies)
- Must contribute 20% of the project cost and provide land
How to Apply
For the Implementing Agencies:
Step 1: Download the prescribed proforma. Step 2: Attach all required self-attested supporting documents. Step 3: Submit the completed proposal in hard copy to the concerned Handicraft Service Center (HSC). Step 4: HSC forwards the proposal with recommendations to the Headquarters Office and sends a copy to the Regional Director, O/o the DC (HC). Step 5: Ensure the hard copy of the proposal reaches the Headquarters Office, O/o the DC (HC).
Note:
- The proposal sent earlier without any invitation or received after the timeline/last date, mentioned above, will not be entertained.
- Incomplete proposals without the mandatory enclosures and proposals that are not clearly recommended and received after the due date will not be considered.
For the Artisans:
Step 1: Download the Online Application Form. Step 2: Fill in all the mandatory details: Event Type, Aadhaar Number, Name of Artisan, Photo, ID Card No., Date of Issue, Recognition, Gender, Category, Father/Husband Name, Address, State, District, PIN Code, Mobile Number, Email ID, Craft Practice, Sub Craft Practice. Step 3: Upload the required (self-attested) documents related to: Past Haat-Bazaar-Exhibition attended in the last five years; Assistance detail who will support you in the Exhibition. Step 4: Check the "Declaration" box and click "Submit". You will get acknowledgment of the successful submission of the application on your registered Email ID / Mobile Number, along with a Reference ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Full Form Of NHDP?
The Full Form of NHDP is "National Handicrafts Development Programme".
What Are The Objectives Of The "Urban Haat" Component Of The Infrastructure & Technology Support Scheme Of NHDP?
The scheme "Infrastructure & Technology Support: URBAN HAAT" is introduced to set up a permanent marketing infrastructure in towns/ metropolitan cities to provide direct marketing facilities to handicrafts artisans/handloom weavers, enabling them to sell their products to a wider target audience.
What Shall Be The Area Of The Haat?
The haat shall be constructed in an area of not less than 8,000 sq. m. and will have a display gallery, food court, etc.
Will The Allotment Of The Stalls To The Artisans Be Fixed Or Will It Be On A Rotational Basis?
The stalls are allotted to artisans on a rotational basis for a nominal rent.
What Is The Full Form Of "SPV"?
The Full Form of "SPV" is "Special Purpose Vehicle".
What Shall Be The Purpose Of The SPVs?
The implementing agencies will be encouraged to form SPVs with the active participation of the various agencies dealing with the promotion of Tourism, Culture, Food, Processing Industry, etc., involving the tour operators, and hotel operators in addition to those dealing with handloom and handicrafts for broad basing and ensure utilization of facilities for a long duration for management and day-to-day running of the same.
What Shall Be The Financial Ceiling For The Implementing Agencies?
The financial ceiling for urban haat is [?] 8,00,00,000 for each unit.
What Percentage Of The Financial Assistance Shall Be Borne By The O/O The DC(HC)?
40% of the admissible amount shall be borne by the O/o the DC(HC) and DC(HL) each.
What Percentage Of The Financial Assistance Shall Be Borne By The Implementing Agency?
20% of the admissible amount will be contributed by the implementing agency.
In The Case Of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, What Percentage Of The Financial Assistance Shall Be Borne By The O/O The DC(HC)?
In the case of NER, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep - 45% of the admissible amount will be borne by the O/o the DC (HC) and DC(HL) each. 10% of the admissible amount shall be contributed by the implementing agency.
What Shall Be The Amount Of The Financial Assistance For Strengthening/Renovation Of Existing Urban Haats?
Assistance will also be given for strengthening/renovation of existing Urban Haats subject to a maximum financial limit of [?] 2,50,00,000 (100% assistance will be borne by the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) & DC (Handlooms).
What Shall Be The Amount Of The Financial Assistance For "Mini Urban Haats"?
Assistance will also be given for Mini Urban Haats on need-based and feasibility. The financial assistance will be based on the number of stalls, land area & other deliverables in a proportionate manner.
How Many Stalls Shall Be Erected By The Implementing Agency?
50-80 Stalls of 10x8 sq. ft. each shall be erected by the Implementing Agency.
How Many Toilets Shall Be There In The Haat?
There shall be 2 Toilets each for Ladies and Gents.
What Additional Facilities Shall Be There In The Haat?
The following facilities shall be there in the haat: Dormitory for Craftspersons with provisions for a minimum of 100 people Food Court Pavilion/Stage for Cultural Programme Store Room Meeting/Conference Room Souvenir Shop
What Shall Be The Benefits For The Buyers/Tourists?
The Food & Craft Bazaar will provide leisure & recreational facilities for domestic as well as international tourists on the lines of Dilli Haat, which has already attained a prominent status amongst domestic & International buyers/ tourists.
Where Can I Find The Link To The Scheme Guidelines?
The scheme guidelines can be found at this link - http://handicrafts.nic.in/pdf/Scheme.pdf#page=1
Where Can I Find The Link To The Proforma For Proposal?
The Proforma For Proposal can be found at this link - http://handicrafts.nic.in/CmsUpload/05182022101854Scan%20invitation%20of%20testing%20laboratories_organized.pdf
To Whom Shall The Proposal Be Addressed?
The proposals in the prescribed proforma along with all the (self-attested) supporting documents in hard copy should be addressed to the concerned Handicraft Service Center (HSC), O/o the DC (HC).
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- For Fresh Proposals:
- Proposal in prescribed proforma.
- Recommendation letter of Field office/Regional Office.
- Valid Registration Certificate.
- Article & Memorandum of Association.
- Bye-Laws.
- Three years Balance Sheet & audited statement of accounts.
- Annual Report of last Year.
- Affidavit in respect of Non-Corrupt Practice and validity of Registration.
- Land ownership document/ Lease agreement for the proposed project/Detailed Project Report.
- Feasibility report of the project to be certified by a scheduled commercial bank.
- Construction plan and cost estimate duly authenticated by Architect/ Chartered Engineer.
- Third-party assessment report from a recognized Chartered Engineer/ technical valuer for equipment/ machines to be installed
- Undertaking that balance of the total cost to be borne by the implementing agency, along with escalated cost, if any.
- Any other documents mentioned in Proforma/ desired by the competent authority.
- NOTE 1:
- All documents should be attested by Implementing Agency.
- NOTE 2:
- The implementing agency will be required to sign a Memorandum of understanding specifying quantified deliverables.
- For Reimbursement Proposals:
- Monthly Performance Report/ Performance cum Achievement Report (as applicable) with photographs.
- Verification report (Gist of expenditure) with the mode of payment from concerned Asst. Director, Handicrafts Service Centre/Field formation
- Utilization Certification in GFR 12A duly verified/certified by Chartered Accountant with membership No. and countersigned by Implementing Agency.
- An audited statement of accounts and statement of expenditure duly verified/certified by Chartered Accountant with membership No. and countersigned by Implementing Agency.
- An inspection report from the concerned AD of the field office.
- Any other documents desired by the competent authority.
- For Fresh Proposals as well as Reimbursement Proposals, the applicant is required to certify the following:
- 1. No financial assistance has been received from any other source for the same purpose.
- 2. The provisions of the scheme have been fully understood and we take responsibility for the successful completion of the project within the stipulated time.
- 3. All infrastructures are available with the organization to implement the project.
- 4. There is no duplication of efforts that takes place with existing schemes of other ministries.
- 5. The Organization is not involved in any corrupt practices and has not been black-listed by any central/state agencies.
- 6. No UC is pending in any scheme of the O/o DC (Handicrafts).