The “Utility Based Handicrafts Award” scheme was introduced by the Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles, and Khadi Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, to motivate artisans to create functional and utility-based handicrafts. The scheme awards three artisans each year for their outstanding contributions.
Benefits
- Cash Prize: ₹40,000/-
- Gold Medal: 4 gm
- Thamirapattiram (Copper Plaque)
- Certificate of Recognition
Eligibility
- Artisan Requirement: The applicant must be an artisan.
- Domicile: The applicant must be a native of Tamil Nadu.
- Manufacturing Base: applicant must be a manufacturer of handicrafts in Tamil Nadu.
- Language Proficiency: The applicant must possess proficiency in Tamil and contribute to Tamil literature.
- Material Standards: The handicrafts must use non-toxic and non-polluting materials.
Application Process
Mode: Offline
Steps:
- Advertisement Notification: Advertisements for the scheme are published annually in June.
- Obtain Application Form: Applicants can acquire the prescribed application form.
- Complete the Form: Fill in all mandatory fields, attach a passport-sized photograph, and self-attest all required documents.
- Submit Application: Submit the completed application to the Head Office only through Poompucar Sales and Manufacturing Plant Managers during office hours.
- Acknowledgment: Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing essential details such as the submission date, time, and unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Address Proof
- Aadhaar Card
- Front Page of Passbook
- Non-toxic and Non-polluting Material Certificate
- Photograph of the Handicraft
- Artisan’s Affidavit on ₹20/- stamp paper, attested by a First-Class Criminal Judge or Notary Public.
- Recommendation Certificate from:
- Managers of Poompucar Outlets and Manufacturing Plants,
- Area Assistant Directors (Handicrafts), or
- Craft Councils (Tamil Nadu/India/World) under the Office of the Development Commissioner, New Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who launched the Utility Based Handicrafts Award scheme?
The scheme was launched by the Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles, and Khadi Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. - Can more than three artisans be awarded this prize?
No, the award is limited to three artisans annually. - What are the benefits of receiving the Utility Based Handicrafts Award?
The benefits include a ₹40,000 cash prize, 4 gm gold medal, Thamirapattiram, and a certificate. - What is the eligibility criteria for artisans?
Artisans must be natives of Tamil Nadu, proficient in Tamil, and manufacturers of handicrafts using non-toxic materials. - Where can applicants find the application form?
Application forms can be obtained through Poompucar Sales and Manufacturing Plant Managers. - Can previous winners reapply for the award?
No, previous winners are not eligible to reapply. - What role do Poompucar Sales and Manufacturing Plant Managers play?
They issue the application forms and collect completed forms for submission to the Head Office. - Can applicants from outside Tamil Nadu apply?
No, the scheme is exclusive to residents of Tamil Nadu. - What language proficiency is required?
Proficiency in Tamil is mandatory.