Shilp Guru Award
Master craftspersons of Indian handicrafts who are 55+ years old with 20+ years of experience can receive the Shilp Guru Award — a ₹2,00,000 cash prize, a gold coin, a shawl, and a tamrapatra (copper plaque). The Ministry of Textiles confers a maximum of 10 awards annually through a three-tier selection process from state to national level. Apply offline through the District Industries Centre or Regional Development Centres for Handicrafts.
About This Scheme
Master craftspersons of Indian handicrafts who are 55+ years old with 20+ years of experience can receive the Shilp Guru Award — a ₹2,00,000 cash prize, a gold coin, a shawl, and a tamrapatra (copper plaque). The Ministry of Textiles confers a maximum of 10 awards annually through a three-tier selection process from state to national level. Apply offline through the District Industries Centre or Regional Development Centres for Handicrafts.
Full official description
The “Shilp Guru Award” for master craftpersons was introduced by the Ministry of Textiles during the year 2002 on the occasion of “Golden Jubilee Year of Handicrafts Resurgence in India” Shilp Guru Awards are being conferred to legendary master craftpersons of handicrafts whose work and dedication have contributed not only to the preservation of rich and diverse craft heritage of the country but also to the resurgence of handicrafts sector as a whole.
Benefits
- Cash prize: ₹2,00,000
- One mounted gold coin, one shawl, and one tamrapatra (copper plaque)
- Additional financial assistance to create new high-quality, innovative products
- Opportunities to participate in international seminars and exhibitions
- Inclusion in advisory committees at national design institutions (NID, NIFT, IICD, etc.)
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian citizen aged 55 or above
- Must have at least 20 years of experience in handicrafts (as of December 31 of the previous year)
- Must be a National or State Awardee of exceptional standing, or a master craftsperson with extraordinary skills
- Must have made significant contributions to the preservation and development of India's craft heritage
- Maximum 10 awards are conferred per year
How to Apply
Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the District Industries Center (DIC), Directorate of Industries, or other designated offices such as Regional Development Centers for Handicrafts (RD&TDC) and request a hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the staff exclusively entrusted to issue and collect filled-in applications. Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required). Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Assistant Labour Commissioner. Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable). Selection procedure: The selection procedure for selecting the items for Shilp Guru Award will be through a three – tier procedure.
- The first stage selection would be at the State Level in case of Handicrafts artisans.
- In the second stage of the selection process the handicraft entries recommended by various State Level Selection Committees would be next screened by the Headquarter Level Selection Committee.
- In the third and final stage of the selection process the handicrafts entries recommended by Head Quarters Level Selection Committee would be next screen by Central Level Selection Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shilp Guru Award?
The Shilp Guru Award is a prestigious recognition given to legendary master craftspersons in the handicrafts sector for their exceptional skills and contributions to preserving and promoting India's rich craft heritage.
Who presents the Shilp Guru Award?
The award is conferred by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, through the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
When was this Award introduced?
The award was introduced in 2002 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Handicrafts Resurgence in India.
What is the objective of the Award?
The award aims to recognize, encourage, and honor outstanding master craftspersons for their lifetime dedication to traditional handicrafts and their role in training the next generation of artisans.
How many Shilp Guru Awards are given each year?
A maximum of 10 awards are conferred annually.
Are National Awardees automatically eligible for the Shilp Guru Award?
No, National Awardees must meet the additional eligibility criteria, such as age, years of experience, and contribution to the craft sector.
Can a State Awardee apply for this Award?
Yes, but only if they are of exceptional standing and meet the other eligibility requirements.
Are artisans from all handicraft sectors eligible?
Yes, artisans from all recognized handicraft sectors in India are eligible for the award.
How can a craftsperson apply for this Award?
Applications can be submitted through the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), State Handicraft Departments, or relevant agencies as per the guidelines.
Can an artisan submit multiple applications for different crafts?
No, an artisan can apply for only one craft category per year.
Who selects the Shilp Guru Award winners?
A National Level Selection Committee, constituted by the Ministry of Textiles, evaluates the applications and finalizes the awardees.
What does the Shilp Guru Award include?
The award consists of:
- A gold-plated plaque.
- A cash prize of [?]2,00,000.
- A Shawl and a Certificate of recognition.
Can an artisan apply for the award multiple times?
If an applicant is not selected in a given year, they can apply again in subsequent years, provided they still meet the eligibility criteria.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Proof of identity and citizenship
- Certificates of National or State Awards (if applicable)
- Affidavit (Declaring that the submitted item is created by the applicant)
- Bio-Data (Detailing experience, awards, and contributions)
- Photographs/Videography (Evidence of craftsmanship stages)
- Proof of 20 years of experience in the craft sector
- Affidavit of Risk (Undertaking that the applicant assumes responsibility for any damages during transportation)
- Evidence of contributions to the craft community
- Any other documents as required