The Department of Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles & Khadi, Government of Tamil Nadu, launched the “Poompuhar State Award” program. The top artisans who have helped Tamil Nadu’s crafts flourish are recognized and given a certificate, a 4-gram gold medal, tamirapathiram, and a ₹50,000 cash prize. Those over 60 who are economically disadvantaged are also eligible for a ₹3,500 monthly pension.
Benefits
- Cash Prize: ₹50,000/-
- Gold Medal: 4 grams
- Thamirapathiram (Copper Plaque)
- Certificate of Recognition
- Monthly Pension: ₹3,500/- for economically backward awardees aged 60 and above.
Eligibility
- Artisan Requirement:The applicant must be an artisan.
- Domicile:The applicant must be a native of Tamil Nadu.
- Age Criteria:
- The applicant must be above 30 years of age.
- For the monthly pension, the applicant must be 60 years or older.
- Experience and Service:
- The applicant’s experience and service rendered in their craft profession will be evaluated.
- Artisans may be required to attend an interview or provide a process explanation at the headquarters.
Exclusions
- Past Recipients: Artisans who have previously received the Poompuhar State Award are not eligible to apply again.
Application Process Offline
- Advertisement Notification:
- Advertisements for the scheme are published annually in June.
- Obtain Application Form:
- Download or collect the prescribed application form.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields, attach a passport-sized photograph, and self-attest required documents.
- Submit Application:
- Submit the completed application form and documents during office hours (Monday to Friday) to the:
Poombuhar Head Office, Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation, 759, Anna Road, Chennai – 600002.
- Submit the completed application form and documents during office hours (Monday to Friday) to the:
- Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing the submission date, time, and unique identification number (if applicable).
Note: No award material is required to be sent with the application.
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Address Proof
- Aadhaar Card
- Front Page of Passbook
- Craftsman Service Photograph
- Affidavit: Artisan’s affidavit on ₹20/- stamp paper attested by a First-Class Criminal Judge or Notary Public.
- Recommendation Certificate: Attested by:
- Managers of Poombuhar Outlets and Manufacturing Plants,
- Area Assistant Directors (Handicrafts), or
- Craft Councils (Tamil Nadu/India/World).
- Photographic/Video Evidence: Images or videos of the applicant at each production stage of the award item.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Poompuhar State Award?
It honors talented artisans who have made significant contributions to Tamil Nadu’s handicrafts.
Benefits that Poompuhar State Award winners receive
A certificate, a 4-gram gold medal, tamirapathiram, and a ₹50,000 cash reward are awarded to the winners. - For whom is the Poompuhar State Award open?
Applications must be submitted to Poombuhar’s head office in Chennai. - Who is qualified to get the prize?
Residents of Tamil Nadu who have produced a substantial contribution to handicrafts and who are older than thirty are eligible artists. - Do past winners have the right to reapply?
It is not possible for artists who have already won the award to reapply. - What is the purpose of the application process interview?
The artisan’s abilities, expertise, and contribution to the handicrafts sector are evaluated during the interview. - What paperwork is needed to submit the application?
Aadhaar, proof of address, bank account, pictures of artisans and their creations, and a recommendation certificate - Do recipients from the economically disadvantaged group receive extra benefits?
When they turn sixty, they are eligible for a pension, which is ₹3,500 per month.