The “Direct Benefit to Artisans – Supports to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances” scheme is a key component of the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) launched by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. This scheme is designed to support master craftspersons during their old age by providing financial assistance. It aims to boost the handicraft sector in India by extending monthly or lump sum grants of up to ₹8,000/-, disbursed via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS)/Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
Up to ₹8,000/- per month is provided, either as a monthly allowance, a lump sum grant, or a combination of both. - Disbursement Method:
Funds are disbursed through PFMS/DBT directly to the beneficiary.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the artisan must meet the following criteria:
- Award Recognition:
The applicant should be a master craftsperson who is a recipient of the Shilp Guru Award, National Award, Merit Certificate, State Award, or any other major award. - Income Criteria:
The annual income of the artisan should not exceed ₹1,00,000/- in the preceding financial year. - Exclusivity of Assistance:
The applicant should not be receiving similar financial assistance from any other source. - Age Requirement:
The artisan should be at least 60 years of age at the time of application. (For artisans with disabilities, the age criterion may be relaxed upon submission of a certificate from the appropriate authority.)
Application Process
Offline Process
- Obtain Application Form:
- Eligible artisans are informed through wide publicity and advertisements.
- The artisan should take a printout of the prescribed application format.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields.
- Paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required).
- Attach copies of all mandatory documents (self-attested if necessary).
- Submission:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the required documents to the designated Handicrafts Service Centre/Regional Office.
- A unique identification number will be assigned to the application, serving as acknowledgement.
- Post-Application Processing:
- Field officers will inspect the submitted applications.
- Completed applications are processed within 30 days.
- The Regional Director recommends the selection of master craftspersons, and the Core Committee, chaired by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), finalizes the selection.
- The financial assistance is then disbursed through the appropriate field office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
Note:
If there is any gap in extending financial support due to non-submission of income certificates or changes in income criteria, the artisan must apply afresh.
Documents Required
- Photograph.
- Self-attested copy of the Certificate of Handicrafts Award bestowed by the Central/State Government.
- Income Certificate.
- Document for Proof of Age.
- Disability Certificate (if the artisan is physically handicapped).
- Affidavit duly attested by a First-Class Magistrate in the prescribed format.
Ongoing Compliance:
Each financial year, the selected master craftsperson must submit an updated income certificate and a magistrate-attested affidavit in the prescribed format to continue receiving financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How is the financial assistance disbursed to selected artisans?
The financial assistance is disbursed through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS)/Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). -
How are the applications by the artisans processed after submission?
Applications undergo inspection by a field officer, are processed within 30 days, and the final selection is made by the Core Committee under the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). -
How often do artisans need to submit income certificates and affidavits for continued support?
Artisans must submit these documents annually. -
What documents are required to be submitted along with the application form?
Required documents include a photograph, award certificate, income certificate, proof of age, disability certificate (if applicable), and a magistrate-attested affidavit. -
How much financial assistance is provided to eligible artisans under this scheme?
Eligible artisans can receive up to ₹8,000/- per month. -
What is the primary objective of the scheme?
The scheme aims to support master craftspersons during their old age and boost the handicraft sector by providing financial assistance. -
Can artisans receive financial assistance from other sources while availing benefits under this scheme?
No, the applicant should not be receiving similar financial assistance from any other source. -
Can the financial assistance be revoked if the artisan’s income exceeds the specified limit?
Yes, if the income exceeds ₹1,00,000/- in the preceding financial year, the artisan becomes ineligible. -
Can artisans use the financial assistance for any purpose?
The assistance is meant to support artisans during their old age; however, the scheme does not restrict the use of funds. -
Is there any restriction on the duration for which artisans can receive financial assistance?
Financial support continues as long as the artisan meets the eligibility criteria and submits the required documents annually. -
What is the maximum amount of financial assistance provided to eligible artisans?
The maximum assistance is up to ₹8,000/- per month.