The “Grant to Industrial Cooperative Society” is a sub-scheme under the West Bengal Artisans Financial Benefit Scheme 2024, launched by the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department, Government of West Bengal on 7th March 2024. It will remain in force for five years. The scheme is designed to provide systematic financial support for acquiring tools, equipment, work sheds, and other fixed assets for a group of at least 10 artisans organized under an industrial cooperative society.
Benefits
• ₹3,00,000/- for tools/equipment
• ₹7,00,000/- for work shed and other fixed assets
Eligibility
• Applicant must belong to a group of artisans
• Age must be between 18-60 years
• Applicant should be engaged in traditional craft/trade using hand tools, equipment, or small machines
• Must be enlisted in the State Portal for Artisans & Weavers
• Applicant must be an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of West Bengal for the past 10 years
• For work shed support, an industrial cooperative society of eligible artisans must possess a piece of land for constructing the shed or installing machines
Exclusions
• Central/State government employees and their family members are not eligible
• Applicants who have availed assistance/grant from Central/State Government for the same purpose
• Handloom and Khadi weavers, and their societies, are excluded as they are covered under separate schemes
Application Process
Offline
• Step 1: Individual artisans or cooperative societies must submit their applications at the respective office based on area type:
– BDO’s Office for rural areas
– SDO’s Office for municipal areas
– Municipal Corporation Office for urban areas
• Step 2: Ensure that the application is in the prescribed format and includes all required documents
• Step 3: Submit the application at the designated office; further details and contact information are provided in the helpdesk (district-wise)
Documents Required
• Proof of enrolment in the State Portal for Artisans & Weavers
• Standard price quotations for tools/kits (at least 3 sets of quotations)
• Land documents where the work shed is to be constructed
• Project estimate with layout drawings vetted by a competent authority (e.g., SAE/EE)
• Registration certificate of the industrial cooperative society
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the classification of Crafts and Trades?
A: This is defined in the scheme guidelines and varies based on the nature of the traditional craft or trade.
Q: What is the extent of financial support provided by the State Government under this sub-scheme?
A: The scheme offers ₹3,00,000/- for tools/equipment and ₹7,00,000/- for work sheds and other fixed assets.
Q: How will the procurement and reimbursement process work for a group of artisans under an industrial cooperative society?
A: The cooperative society submits the application on behalf of its group, and once approved, the grant is provided to cover the costs of procurement/reimbursement as per the scheme’s limits.
Q: Which department manages this scheme?
A: The scheme is managed by the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department, Government of West Bengal.
Q: What measures are in place to prevent misuse of the welfare assistance?
A: Strict eligibility criteria, verification of documents, and oversight by designated authorities help prevent misuse.
Q: How does the funding process work for constructing work sheds for an industrial cooperative society?
A: The society must own land where the work shed will be constructed; the grant covers costs up to ₹7,00,000/- for work sheds and other fixed assets.
Q: How does the grievance redressal mechanism operate for this scheme?
A: Detailed office addresses and contact details (district-wise) are provided for assistance; applicants can reach out to the designated helpdesk for resolution of any issues.
Q: What is the date of commencement and duration of the scheme?
A: Launched on 7th March 2024, the scheme remains in force for five years.
Q: Who are the targeted beneficiaries?
A: Groups of at least 10 artisans involved in traditional crafts/trades, registered on the State Portal for Artisans & Weavers, and meeting the age and residency criteria.
Q: How can the benefits be availed?
A: Benefits are availed by submitting the application in the prescribed offline format along with the required documents at the appropriate office.
Q: Is there any income criteria for eligibility?
A: No specific income criteria are mentioned; eligibility is based on artisan group membership, craft engagement, and residency requirements.
Q: Is there any specific age criteria for applicants?
A: Yes, applicants must be between 18-60 years of age.
Q: What is the frequency of the assistance?
A: The grant is provided as a one-time financial benefit under the scheme.