The “Infrastructure and Technology Support: EMPORIA” component is part of the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) launched by the Ministry of Textiles. This component aims to establish emporia (retail outlets) in commercially viable locations to provide a platform for local handicrafts artisans to market their products. These emporia can be set up in own or rented buildings and offer a way for handicraft artisans to gain direct access to the market.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
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Objective: The main objective is to provide a marketing platform for local handicrafts artisans through emporia.
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Financial Assistance:
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New Emporia: ₹60,00,000 for setting up a new emporium (own/rented building).
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Strengthening/Renovation: ₹15,00,000 for upgrading existing emporia.
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Financial Ceiling:
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80% of the admissible amount will be borne by the Office of the Development Commissioner (DC) Handicrafts (O/o DC (H)).
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20% to be contributed by the implementing agency.
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For regions like NER, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the government bears 90% of the cost, with 10% contributed by the implementing agency.
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Benefits
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Financial Assistance for Setting Up New Emporia:
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₹60,00,000 for new emporia in own/rented buildings.
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₹15,00,000 for the strengthening/renovation of existing emporia.
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Support for Rent: Implementing agencies will be responsible for the rental charges of the emporia.
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100% Assistance: Provided for strengthening/renovation of existing emporia by the O/o DC (Handicrafts).
Eligibility
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Central/State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporations and eligible government bodies like NGOs, SHGs, export promotion bodies, producer companies, and cooperatives.
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Startups and other organizations engaged in handicrafts and handlooms development.
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Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and registered societies involved in promoting handicrafts and related activities are also eligible.
Exclusions
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Government co-working spaces and incubators are excluded from this scheme.
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Private entities not meeting the eligibility criteria under the scheme are also excluded.
Application Process
Offline
For Implementing Agencies:
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Submit Proposals: Agencies must submit their proposals in the prescribed format along with supporting documents to the Handicrafts Service Center (HSC).
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Documentation: Submit self-attested copies of required documents.
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Approval: The Handicraft Service Center will evaluate the proposals and approve or reject them as per the guidelines.
For Fresh Proposals:
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Submit the proposal in the prescribed proforma to the concerned Handicraft Service Center.
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Attach supporting documents including registration certificates, financial statements, project reports, and feasibility studies.
For Reimbursement Proposals:
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Submit performance reports, expenditure reports, and utilization certificates as per the prescribed format.
Documents Required
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Proposal in prescribed proforma.
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Recommendation letter from the Field Office/Regional Office.
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Valid Registration Certificate.
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Balance Sheet for the last three years and Audited accounts.
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Annual Report.
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Land ownership document/Lease agreement for the proposed project.
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Feasibility report certified by a commercial bank.
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Construction plan and cost estimates authenticated by a Chartered Engineer/Architect.
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Board resolution/PoA for authorized representatives.
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Third-party assessment report for equipment and machinery.
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Affidavit of non-corrupt practices and validity of registration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the full form of NHDP?
A: NHDP stands for National Handicrafts Development Programme.
Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: The objective is to set up emporia to promote local handicraft artisans and provide a marketing platform for their products.
Q: Where can emporia be set up?
A: Emporia can be set up in commercially viable locations in both own or rented buildings.
Q: How much financial assistance is available for new emporia?
A: The financial ceiling for setting up a new emporium is ₹60,00,000.
Q: Can existing emporia be renovated or strengthened?
A: Yes, existing emporia can be renovated or strengthened with an assistance of ₹15,00,000.
Q: What is the financial support from the government?
A: The government bears 80% of the admissible amount, and the remaining 20% is borne by the implementing agency. For NER regions, the support is 90% from the government.
Q: Who can apply for this scheme?
A: NGOs, SHGs, government bodies, and registered cooperatives engaged in handicrafts can apply.
Q: Does this scheme accept online applications?
A: No, offline proposals are accepted only.