The “Support for Digital Marketing” sub-scheme is part of 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, this scheme will remain in force for five years. Its objective is to provide artisans with access to digital markets and e-commerce platforms, thereby creating sustainable business opportunities and expanding their market reach.
Benefits
• Individual Artist: Financial benefit of ₹2000/-
• Industrial Cooperative Society: Financial benefit of ₹10,000/-
Eligibility
• The applicant must be an artisan or belong to a group of artisans under an industrial cooperative society
• Age should be between 18-60 years
• Applicant must be engaged in a 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
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 are excluded
• Handloom and Khadi weavers, and their societies, are not eligible as they are covered under separate schemes
Application Process
Offline
• Step 1: Applications by individual artisans or by the cooperative societies must be submitted at:
– BDO’s Office for rural areas
– SDO’s Office for municipality areas
– Municipal Corporation Office for urban areas
• Step 2: Ensure the application is in the prescribed format and includes all required documents
• Step 3: Submit the application at the designated office (district-wise contact details available under Helpdesk)
Documents Required
• Proof of enrolment in the State Portal for Artisans & Weavers
• Registration Certificate (for industrial cooperative society, if applicable)
• Invoices/Bills related to various digital marketing expenditures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the classification of Crafts and Trades?
A: Classification details are provided in the scheme guidelines based on the nature of the artisan’s work.
Q: What is the extent of financial support provided under this sub-scheme?
A: The scheme offers ₹2000/- for individual artists and ₹10,000/- for industrial cooperative societies.
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 process will be followed for the administration of this scheme?
A: Applications are processed offline at designated offices, and eligibility is verified based on documents submitted as per the guidelines.
Q: What measures are in place to prevent misuse of the welfare assistance?
A: Strict eligibility criteria and thorough document verification help ensure that funds are allocated appropriately.
Q: How does the Grievance Redressal Mechanism operate?
A: Contact details for district-wise offices are provided to assist applicants in resolving any issues that arise during the application process.
Q: What is the date of commencement and duration of this scheme?
A: The scheme commenced on 7th March 2024 and will remain in force for five years.
Q: Who are the targeted beneficiaries under this scheme?
A: Targeted beneficiaries include individual artisans and groups of artisans registered on the State Portal for Artisans & Weavers, engaged in traditional crafts/trades.
Q: How can the benefits be availed?
A: Benefits are availed by submitting the offline application along with the required documents at the appropriate local office.
Q: Is there any income criteria to be eligible for this scheme?
A: No specific income criteria are mentioned; eligibility is based on artisan status, age, and registration requirements.
Q: Is there any specific age criteria for applicants?
A: Yes, applicants must be between 18-60 years.
Q: What is the frequency of the assistance?
A: The assistance is provided as a one-time financial benefit per eligible application.