The Poompuhar District Craft Award was an initiative of the Department of Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles & Khadi, Government of Tamil Nadu, during the years 2011-2012. This prestigious award honored talented artisans, one each from the districts of Tamil Nadu, for their exceptional craftsmanship. Every year, it recognized outstanding contributions in the field of handicrafts with cash prizes, a silver medal, and a certificate as appreciation marks.
Key Benefits
- Cash Prize: ₹10,000/- per recipient.
- Silver Medal: Awarded for excellent craftsmanship.
- Certificate: Recognizing and honoring their contribution to handicrafts.
Eligibility Criteria
Award seekers must fulfill the following grounds to be selected for the award:
- Artisan Status: Only a practicing artisan can apply.
- Residency: The applicant must be a domicile of Tamil Nadu.
Handicraft Categories
The award is available for the following 16 different handicraft items:
- Panchaloka Idols
- Brass Lamps and Artifacts
- Thanjavur Paintings
- Thanjavur Plates
- Wood Sculptures
- Stone Sculptures
- Fire Clay Products
- Kalamkari Pathik and Applique Work
- Pulp Toys
- Mat Weaving
- Bamboo and Palm Leaf Products
- Neti Work
- Textiles
- Temple Jewellery
- Pictorial Embroidery Work
- Other Handicrafts
Selection Considerations
- Experience and Service: The artisan’s experience and contribution to their craft.
- Special Features: Unique and exceptional elements in the artisan’s work.
Exclusions
- Previous winners of the Poompuhar District Craft Award are not eligible to apply again.
Application Process
The application process is offline Steps to Apply
- Obtain Application Form:
Take a printout of the prescribed format or collect the form from the Poompuhar Head Office. - Fill the Form:
Complete all mandatory fields, attach a passport-sized photograph, and self-attest any required documents. - Attach Documents:
Include all mandatory documents as listed below. - Submit the Application:
Submit the filled application form along with the documents to:
Poompuhar Head Office
Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd,
Poompuhar Head Office, Chennai.
(Submission accepted during office hours, Monday-Friday.) - Acknowledgment:
Obtain a receipt or acknowledgement with details such as date and time of submission and an identification number if available.
Note: Artisans who are already shortlisted in one handicraft discipline can also apply for another category.
List of Documents Required
The applicants must submit the following documents:
- Passport-size Photograph
- Address Proof (e.g., Family Card, Voter ID, or Driving License)
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Details: Front page of the bank passbook showing the account number and IFSC code.
- Artisan’s Affidavit: On ₹20/- stamp paper, attested by a First Class Criminal Judge or Notary Public.
- Recommendation Certificate: Attested by:
- Managers of Poompuhar outlets or manufacturing plants, or
- Area Assistant Directors (Handicrafts).
- Photographs of the Handicraft Item: Photos of the item(s) being offered for selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the purpose of the Poompuhar District Craft Award?
The award is presented to talented artisans throughout Tamil Nadu as a gesture to recognize their distinguished craftsmanship. - When was the award instituted?
The scheme was initiated in 2011-2012. - What is the cash award for the prize?
Each winner is given ₹10,000/- along with a silver medal and a certificate. - Who can apply for the award?
Artisans from Tamil Nadu working in one of the 16 identified handicraft categories are eligible. - Can previous winners apply again?
No, artisans who have already won the award cannot apply again.
Selection Process
- How is the selection process carried out?
- Experience: Artisan’s expertise and years of service in their craft.
- Craftsmanship: Special features and uniqueness of their work.
- Where should applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted to the Poompuhar Head Office, Chennai, during office hours. - What is the role of recommendation certificates?
Recommendation certificates validate the artisan’s work and must be signed by authorized personnel, such as Poompuhar managers or Area Assistant Directors. - Are artists from outside Tamil Nadu eligible?
No, the award is given only to natives of Tamil Nadu. - What happens if an application is received late?
Late applications will not be considered.