Back to Schemes
Sports & Culture; Social welfare & Empowerment

National Handicrafts Development Programme: Direct Benefit to Artisans - Supports to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances

The scheme "Direct Benefit to Artisans - Supports to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances" is designed to give a boost to the handicraft sector in India. Assistance of upto ₹8,000/- per month is granted to the Artisans in Indigent Circumstances in the form of monthly allowance/lump sum grant/ both.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Assistance of upto ₹8,000/- per month is granted in the form of a monthly allowance or lump sum grant or both, disbursed via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS)/ Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Who can apply

The applicant should be a master craftsperson who is the recipient of the Shilp Guru Award/ National Award/ Merit Certificate/ State Award/ any other bigger award.; The annual income of the artisan should not exceed ₹1,00,000/- in the preceding financial year.; The applicant should not be a recipient of similar financial assistance from any other source.; The artisan should not be less than 60 years of age on the date of application. Age may be relaxed in the case of artisans with disabilities, subject to submission of the Certificate issued by the appropriate authority.

Required Paperwork

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

Common Questions

How is the financial assistance disbursed to selected artisans?

Financial assistance is disbursed through the In-charge in the respective field formation of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) following the finalization of selection by the Core Committee.

How are the applications by the artisans processed after submission?

Upon receipt, applications undergo inspections by field officers. Completed applications are processed within 30 days, and a Core Committee finalizes the selection of master craftspersons for financial assistance based on recommendations from the Regional Director.

How often do artisans need to submit income certificates and affidavits for seeking financial support?

Master craftspersons are required to submit income certificates and affidavits duly countersigned by a First-Class Magistrate every financial year to continue receiving financial support.

What documents are required to be submitted along with the application form?

Applicants need to submit documents such as a photograph, self-attested copy of handicrafts award certificate, income certificate, proof of age, disability certificate (if applicable), and an affidavit in the prescribed format attested by a First-Class Magistrate.

How much financial assistance is provided to eligible artisans under this scheme?

Eligible artisans can receive assistance of up to [?]8,000/- per month in the form of a monthly allowance or lump sum grant, facilitated through PFMS/DBT.

What is the primary objective of the "Direct Benefit to Artisans - Supports to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances" scheme?

The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to master craftspersons facing indigent circumstances during their old age, thereby supporting their livelihood and welfare.

Can artisans receive financial assistance from other sources while availing benefits under this scheme?

No, artisans receiving similar financial assistance from any other source are not eligible to receive benefits under this scheme.

Can the financial assistance be revoked if the artisan's income exceeds the specified limit?

Yes, if the artisan's income exceeds [?]1,00,000/- in the preceding financial year, they may no longer be eligible to receive financial assistance under the scheme.

Can artisans use the financial assistance for any purpose?

Yes, artisans are free to use the financial assistance for their livelihood and welfare needs as they deem fit.

Is there any restriction on the duration for which artisans can receive financial assistance?

As long as the artisan meets the eligibility criteria and submits the required documents annually, they can continue to receive financial assistance.

How is the financial assistance disbursed to eligible artisans?

Financial assistance is disbursed through PFMS/DBT in the form of a monthly allowance or lump sum grant, depending on the preference of the artisan.

What is the maximum amount of financial assistance provided to eligible artisans?

Eligible artisans can receive financial assistance of up to [?]8,000/- per month in the form of a monthly allowance or lump sum grant.