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Skills & Employment

Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Programme

The Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme was launched to create a world-class infrastructure that will cater to the business needs of local artisans & SMEs in order to boost production and export.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Under the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme, interventions such as baseline Survey and activity Mapping, Skill Training, Marketing events, Improved Tool Kits, Publicity, Seminars, capacity building, Design workshops, etc will be provided. The scheme will also provide for Emporiums, Common Facility Centres, Raw Material Banks, Trade Common Production Centres, Facilitation Centres, and Design & Resource Centres.

Who can apply

The Implementing Agency (lA), which will be a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), shall be a legal entity, preferably a company, with the participation of related stakeholders, particularly the leading manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, and artisan federations/SHGs. The SPV shall be selected preferably through an open competitive bidding process. However, selection of SPV would mainly depend on the project profile, activities required to be intervened, and on various other parameters, therefore selection of such suitable SPV after seeking formal approval of PAMC. As the Handicrafts sector is highly unorganized, the procedure for selection of SPV in special cases shall be kept open for PAMC/Government.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Programme (CHCDP)?

The CHCDP is a scheme by the Ministry of Textiles designed to develop handicrafts clusters with world-class infrastructure, aiming to enhance production, export, skill training, and business competitiveness for artisans and SMEs.

What is the main objective of CHCDP?

The objective is to assist artisans and entrepreneurs in: | - Setting up modern, well-equipped units | - Accessing cutting-edge technology | - Receiving training and HR development | - Getting market linkages and support for production diversification

Who can apply under this scheme?

Only a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) can apply. The SPV must be a legal entity (preferably a company) comprising stakeholders like: | - Leading manufacturers | - Suppliers | - Buyers | - Artisan federations or Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

How is the SPV selected?

Generally, the SPV is selected through an open competitive bidding process. However, due to the unorganized nature of the handicrafts sector, the Project Approval and Monitoring Committee (PAMC) or the Government may select SPVs directly in special cases.

What are the key interventions or benefits offered under the CHCDP?

The scheme supports: | Baseline survey & activity mapping | Skill training & capacity building | Improved toolkits | Marketing events, seminars, and design workshops | Establishment of Common Facility Centres, Raw Material Banks, Emporiums, and Design & Resource Centres

Is this scheme for individual artisans?

No, this is a cluster-level infrastructure development scheme. However, individual artisans benefit indirectly through enhanced production facilities, skill training, market access, and better working environments.

What infrastructure will be created under this scheme?

The scheme will help develop: | - Trade Common Production Centres | - Design & Resource Centres | - Facilitation Centres | - Emporiums and Common Facility Centres (CFCs) for artisans’ use

What documents are required to apply for CHCDP?

The Executing Agency (EA) must submit: | - Detailed Project Report (DPR) | - Nature of SPV | - Sale/Lease Deed of land/building in the name of SPV- Non-agricultural land certificate | - Approved layout plan

What is the application process for the scheme?

The process is offline. The Executing Agency (EA) must submit the application and necessary documents at the concerned Regional Office of the Textile Commissioner.

Who implements the CHCDP scheme?

The scheme is implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) selected by the Project Approval and Monitoring Committee (PAMC) under the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles.