Launched on 7th March 2024 by the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department, Government of West Bengal, the “Grant to Individual Artisans” is a sub-scheme under the West Bengal Artisans Financial Benefit Scheme 2024. This scheme aims to provide systematic financial support to individual handicrafts artisans for the procurement, purchase, and repair of modern tool kits and equipment, thereby enhancing their productivity and sustaining traditional crafts.
Benefits
- One-Time Grant:
Eligible artisans receive a one-time grant of up to ₹15,000, which will cover the purchase and/or repair of tool kits or equipment. The grant is provided at the actual price if it is less than ₹15,000. - Duration:
The scheme is in force for a period of five years.
Eligibility
- Artisan Status:
The applicant must be a handicrafts artisan engaged in traditional crafts/trades that use hand tools, equipment, or small machines. - Age Range:
The applicant should be between 18 and 60 years of age. - Enlistment:
The artisan must be enlisted in the State Portal for Artisans & Weavers. - Residency:
The applicant must be an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of West Bengal for at least the past 10 years. - Work Shed Provision (if applicable):
For benefits related to work shed construction or machine installation, the eligible artisan should be part of an industrial cooperative society that possesses a piece of land designated for this purpose.
Exclusions
- Central or state government employees and their family members are not eligible.
- Applicants who have previously availed assistance or grants from the Central/State Government for the same purpose are excluded.
- Handloom and Khadi weavers, along with their societies, are covered under separate schemes and are not eligible under this scheme.
Application Process
Offline Submission:
- Where to Submit:
- For rural areas: Submit your application at the BDO’s office.
- For municipal areas: Submit at the SDO’s office.
- For urban areas: Submit at the Municipal Corporation office.
- Helpdesk:
Contact details and office addresses are available district-wise.
Documents Required
- Proof of enrolment in the State Portal for Artisans & Weavers.
- Standard price quotations for the tool kits (based on at least three sets of quotations).
- Registration certificate of the industrial cooperative society (if applying through a cooperative society for work shed related benefits).
- In the case of repair of tools/equipment: an invoice or bill from the concerned workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the classification of crafts and trades?
The scheme covers traditional handicrafts artisans engaged in crafts that use hand tools, equipment, or small machines. - How will the procurement and reimbursement process work for individual artisans under this scheme?
Artisans are provided a one-time grant up to ₹15,000, which is either the actual price of the required tool kit or ₹15,000, whichever is less. Reimbursement is processed upon submission of appropriate quotations and supporting documents. - Which department is the management authority for this scheme?
The scheme is managed by the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department, Government of West Bengal. - What process will be followed by the department for the administration of this scheme?
Applications are evaluated by the designated officials at district offices, and grants are disbursed based on the verification of documents and quotations submitted. - What measures are in place to prevent misuse of the welfare assistance?
The scheme requires submission of multiple quotations, proof of enrolment, and other supporting documents. Prior receipt of similar assistance from government sources also disqualifies an applicant. - What is the extent of financial support provided by the state government under this sub-scheme?
The grant provided is up to ₹15,000 per eligible artisan. - How will the grievance redressal mechanism operate for this scheme?
Artisans can contact the designated helpdesk and local authorities at the BDO’s/SDO’s office for any issues related to application processing or disbursement. - What is the date of commencement and duration of this scheme?
The scheme was launched on 7th March 2024 and will remain in force for five years. - Who are the targeted beneficiaries under this scheme?
The scheme targets individual handicrafts artisans who are enlisted in the State Portal for Artisans & Weavers and meet the other eligibility criteria. - How can the benefits be availed?
Applications must be submitted offline at the respective district offices. - Is there any income criteria to be eligible for this scheme?
No specific income criteria are mentioned. - Is there any specific age criteria for the applicants?
Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years of age. - What is the frequency of the assistance?
It is a one-time grant per artisan, valid within the five-year period of the scheme.