The Infrastructure and Technology Support sub-scheme is part of the National Handicraft Development Programme. Launched by the Ministry of Textiles, it aims to develop world-class infrastructure to enhance handicraft production, improve product quality, and reduce costs, enabling Indian handicrafts to compete globally. This initiative also focuses on establishing permanent marketing infrastructures in cities to provide direct marketing facilities for artisans and weavers.
Objectives
- Develop infrastructure to support handicraft production and marketing.
- Enhance production efficiency and product quality.
- Reduce production costs to boost global competitiveness.
- Provide direct marketing opportunities for artisans and weavers.
Key Components
- Urban Haat
- Financial ceiling: ₹800 lakh for each unit with 80 stalls.
- Contribution split:
- 40% by the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) and DC (Handlooms).
- 20% by the State Implementing Agency.
- Land provision by the State Government (over and above the 20% contribution).
- In NER, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh:
- 45% contribution by the Office of the DC (HC) and DC (HL).
- 10% by the Implementing Agency.
- Renovation of Existing Urban Haats
- Financial limit: ₹250 lakh.
- Assistance split:
- 90% by the Office of the DC (HC) and DC (HL).
- 10% by the State Implementing Agency.
- Other Infrastructure Projects
- Craft-based resource centers, common facility centers, raw material depots, and craft villages.
Benefits
- Financial assistance for infrastructure development.
- Focused efforts to increase the income and socio-economic status of artisans.
- Improved market access through Urban Haats and sourcing hubs.
- Technology and capacity building to enhance production.
Eligibility Criteria
- Local statutory bodies, apex cooperative societies, national-level apex societies registered under the Society Act/Trust Act.
- Producer companies supported by the Office of the DC (Handicrafts).
- Implementing agencies must have an audited annual turnover of at least ₹1.5 crore for three consecutive years (not applicable to central/state government agencies).
Application Process
Mode: Online and Offline
- For Fresh Proposals:
- Submit the proposal in the prescribed proforma along with supporting documents to the Handicraft Service Center (HSC), O/o the DC (Handicrafts).
- Ensure timely submission, as late or incomplete proposals will not be entertained.
- For Reimbursement Proposals:
- Submit monthly performance reports and utilization certificates certified by a Chartered Accountant.
- Provide verified inspection reports and audited expenditure statements.
Documents Required
For Fresh Proposals
- Proposal in prescribed proforma.
- Recommendation letter from the Field/Regional Office.
- Registration Certificate, Memorandum of Association, and Bye-Laws.
- Balance sheet and audited financial statements for three years.
- Annual report of the previous year.
- Feasibility report certified by a scheduled commercial bank.
- Construction plan and cost estimate authenticated by an architect.
- Land ownership/lease agreement documents.
For Reimbursement Proposals
- Monthly performance reports with photographs.
- Verified expenditure and mode of payment reports.
- Utilization certificate in GFR 12A format.
- Audited expenditure and financial statements.
- Inspection report by the concerned field office.
Key Provisions
- No financial assistance for projects already funded by other sources.
- Projects must adhere to guidelines and deliverables.
- Any escalated costs beyond approved financial assistance must be borne by the implementing agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for this scheme?
- Local statutory bodies, cooperative societies, and national-level apex societies.
- Producer companies supported by the Office of the DC (Handicrafts).
- What is the financial ceiling for Urban Haats?
- ₹800 lakh per unit for 80 stalls.
- Can existing Urban Haats be renovated under this scheme?
- Yes, with a financial limit of ₹250 lakh (90% assistance by the DC (HC) and DC (HL)).
- What is the process for submitting proposals?
- Submit fresh proposals to the Handicraft Service Center (HSC) along with all required documents before the deadline.
- Are there any location-specific provisions?
- Yes, in NER, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, a higher financial contribution (45%) is provided by the DC offices.
Sources and References
- Guidelines: Ministry of Textiles
- Application Forms and Details: Contact the nearest Handicraft Service Center.
This scheme is an excellent initiative to uplift artisans and promote the handicraft sector by providing modern infrastructure and marketing support.