The “Direct Benefit to Artisans – Supports to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances” scheme is a component of the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), launched by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It aims to provide financial support to master craftspersons during their old age, ensuring their well-being and promoting the handicrafts sector in India.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- Up to ₹8,000/- per month is provided as a monthly allowance, lump sum grant, or both.
- The assistance is disbursed through Public Financial Management System (PFMS) or Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Eligibility
- Award Recognition: The applicant must be a master craftsperson who has received:
- Shilp Guru Award
- National Award
- Merit Certificate
- State Award
- Any other recognized award.
- Income Criteria: Annual income should not exceed ₹1,00,000/- in the preceding financial year.
- Age Limit: Applicants should be at least 60 years old. (Relaxation is provided for artisans with disabilities upon submission of a certificate issued by the appropriate authority.)
- No Double Benefits: The applicant must not be receiving similar financial assistance from any other source.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps:
- Advertisement: Applications are invited annually with wide publicity.
- Form Collection:
- Obtain the prescribed format of the application form.
- Take a printout of the form.
- Form Filling:
- Complete all mandatory fields.
- Attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required).
- Include self-attested copies of the required documents.
- Submission:
- Submit the filled application form and documents to the Handicrafts Service Centre/Regional Office.
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing a unique identification number for future references.
Post-Application Processes:
- Inspection: Field officers will inspect the submitted applications.
- Processing: Complete applications will be processed within 30 days.
- Selection:
- The Regional Director reviews the applications.
- The Core Committee, chaired by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), finalizes the selection.
- Disbursement: Financial assistance is disbursed by the field formation in charge of the Development Commissioner’s Office.
Documents Required
- Photograph.
- Award Certificate: Self-attested copy of the handicrafts award certificate bestowed by the Central/State Government.
- Income Certificate.
- Proof of Age: Document verifying the applicant’s age.
- Disability Certificate: (if applicable).
- Affidavit: Duly attested by a First-Class Magistrate in the prescribed format.
Note: Selected artisans must submit a fresh income certificate and affidavit every financial year to continue receiving assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the objective of the scheme?
To provide financial support to master craftspersons during their old age and promote the handicrafts sector.
2. How is financial assistance disbursed?
It is disbursed via Public Financial Management System (PFMS) or Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
3. How are applications processed after submission?
Applications undergo inspection by field officers and are finalized by the Core Committee chaired by the Development Commissioner.
4. How much financial assistance is provided?
Up to ₹8,000/- per month, depending on eligibility.
5. Can artisans receive financial assistance from other sources simultaneously?
No, artisans cannot avail similar financial assistance from other sources while benefiting from this scheme.
6. What happens if an artisan’s income exceeds the limit after selection?
The financial assistance will be discontinued. The artisan must submit a fresh application if eligible.
7. What documents are required?
Photograph, award certificate, income proof, proof of age, disability certificate (if applicable), and an affidavit.
8. Can artisans use the financial assistance for any purpose?
The assistance is provided without restrictions, enabling artisans to meet their basic needs.
9. How often must income certificates and affidavits be submitted?
These must be submitted every financial year.
10. Is there a restriction on the duration of financial assistance?
No specific duration is mentioned; assistance continues as long as the artisan meets the eligibility criteria.