National Handicrafts Development Programme: Infrastructure And Technology Support: EMPORIA
80% funding for handicraft emporia · up to ₹60 lakh per unit · India
State handicraft corporations, NGOs, cooperatives, SHGs, and other eligible agencies can receive government grants to set up or renovate dedicated handicraft retail stores (emporia) in commercially viable locations across India. The government covers 80%–100% of the project cost. Submit a proposal to your regional Handicraft Service Centre to apply.
About This Scheme
State handicraft corporations, NGOs, cooperatives, SHGs, and other eligible agencies can receive government grants to set up or renovate dedicated handicraft retail stores (emporia) in commercially viable locations across India. The government covers 80%–100% of the project cost. Submit a proposal to your regional Handicraft Service Centre to apply.
Full official description
The scheme "Infrastructure and Technology Support: EMPORIA" is a Component/Sub-Scheme under the Umbrella Scheme "National Handicrafts Development Programme". Under this component, assistance would be provided for the setting up of emporia. These would be set up in commercially viable locations in the implementing agencies' own/rented buildings. The basic objective of the component is to provide a marketing platform to the Local Handicrafts Artisans in their respective area through the outlet and emporia.
Benefits
- Up to ₹60 lakh grant for setting up a new emporium (own or rented building)
- Up to ₹15 lakh grant for strengthening or renovating an existing emporium
- Government covers 80% of admissible cost; implementing agency contributes 20%
- For North-East states, J&K, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep: government covers 90%, agency pays 10%
- 100% government funding available for renovation/strengthening of existing emporia
💡 Why Startups Should Care
For handicraft cooperatives or producer organisations, emporia are direct-to-consumer retail outlets that capture full retail margin instead of selling through middlemen. With 80% of setup cost funded (up to ₹60 lakh), this scheme funds a genuine retail presence for artisan-made products.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Central or State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporations, or other government-promoted corporations/agencies
- Eligible NGOs, registered SHGs, statutory local bodies, exporter associations, Apex Cooperative Societies, or national-level apex societies (registered under Society/Trust Act)
- Organizations such as IICT, MHSC, HMCM, NIFT, or Export Promotion Councils
- Producer companies registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act working for handicrafts/handlooms promotion
- The DC (Handicrafts) department may also directly implement the scheme
- Individual artisans alone are NOT directly eligible; must apply through an eligible organization
How to Apply
- Prepare a proposal in the prescribed proforma with all self-attested supporting documents.
- Include a recommendation letter from the Field Office/Regional Office.
- Attach registration certificate, Articles & Memorandum of Association, and bye-laws.
- Include 3 years of balance sheets and audited statements.
- Submit the hard copy proposal to the concerned Handicraft Service Center (HSC).
- The office reviews and processes fund disbursement per the approved cost structure.
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 This Scheme?
The basic objective of the component is to provide a marketing platform to the Local Handicrafts Artisans in their respective area through the outlet and emporia.
At What Locations Shall The EMPORIA Be Set Up?
These would be set up in commercially viable locations in the implementing agencies' own/rented buildings.
For What Purposes Is The Financial Assistance Provided To The Implementing Agencies?
Under this component, assistance would be provided for the setting up of emporia.
What Shall Be The Financial Ceiling For Setting Up A New Emporia?
For setting up a New Emporia (Rented/Own building), the Per Unit Cost shall be [?] 60,00,000.
What Shall Be The Financial Ceiling For Strengthening / Renovation?
For Strengthening / Renovation, the Per Unit Cost shall be [?] 15,00,000.
What Percentage Of The Admissible Amount Shall Be Borne By The O/O The DC (H)?
80% of the admissible amount shall be borne by the O/o the DC (H)
What Percentage Of The Admissible Amount Shall Be Borne By The Implementing Agency?
20% will be contributed by the implementing agency subject to the ceiling specified.
What Percent Of The Assistance Shall Be Borne By The Office Of The DC (Handicrafts) For The Strengthening / Renovation Of The Existing Emporia?
100% assistance will be borne by the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) for the Strengthening / Renovation of the existing Emporia.
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://www.handicrafts.nic.in/cmsUpload/20221026154722Emporia.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).
Are The National Level Apex Societies (Registered Under The Society Act/ Trust Act, Etc.) Also Eligible To Apply?
Yes, the National level Apex Societies (registered under the society act/ trust act, etc.) are also eligible to apply for the role of Implementing Agency.
Does This Scheme Accept Online Applications?
No, this scheme accepts offline applications.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Proposal in prescribed proforma
- Recommendation letter of Field Office/Regional Office
- Valid registration certificate
- Articles & Memorandum of Association
- Bye-laws
- Three years' balance sheet and audited statements