The government is actively working towards developing the sector to maximize its potential. Artisans face challenges such as inaccessibility of funds, low penetration of technology, absence of market intelligence and poor institutional framework for growth. In addition, the sector is plagued by implicit contradiction of handmade products, which are typically at odds with scale of production. To overcome these challenges, the government has launched several initiatives and schemes. We, at Heart for Art strive to make artisans aware of these schemes so that they can take complete advantage of them.
Pehchaan Card
- Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) issues photo-identity cards to artisans
- Facilitates easier identification of artisans
- Acts as official proof of identity for accessing government schemes
- Enables artisans to avail skill training, credit, marketing, insurance, etc.
- Contains artisan’s photograph and craft information
Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana
- Aims to support artisans with infrastructure, technology, and human resource development
- Mobilizes artisans into self-help groups for bulk production and cost-effective raw material procurement
- Empowers communities through design and technology upgrades, trainings, and workshops
- Fosters market intelligence and introduces new techniques for contemporary market preferences
Mega Cluster Scheme
- Scheme objective: Employment generation and improving artisans’ standard of living
- Cluster-based approach to scale infrastructure and production chains in handicraft centres
- Focus on remote regions with largely unorganised and less-developed handicraft sectors
- Aims to align the sector with modern developments and foster growth
Design and Technology upgradation scheme
- Objective is to develop new prototypes to suit the tastes and preferences of contemporary market
- Using the traditional skill of artisans
- Introducing of new techniques and technologies for enhanced production
Marketing Support and Services Scheme
- Financial assistance for artisans to organize and participate in trade fairs and exhibitions
- Support for artisans’ social and welfare needs
- Craft awareness, demonstration programs, and buyer-seller meets for integrated development
- Increasing publicity and promoting brands in print and electronic media
- Aimed at improving visibility and market reach
Bima Yojna- Direct Benefit to artisans
- This scheme is proposed to support the artisans during their old age.
- The scheme is designed to give a boost to the handicraft sector in India.
- Nature of assistance: Assistance from the government may be either in the form of monthly allowance or lump sum grant or both. In no case however, shall the assistance exceed Rs. 3000/- (Rupees three thousand only) per month.
Research and Development Scheme
- Initiative introduced for feedback on economic, social, aesthetic, and promotional aspects of crafts and artisans
- Supports implementation of related schemes
- In-house team conducts surveys on production challenges
- Areas include raw materials, technology access, design, quality control, finance, legal support, certifications, and operations
- Findings evaluated and integrated into relevant schemes
Artisan Credit Card Scheme
- Facilitates access to credit for artisans
- Provides financial assistance through credit cards specifically designed for artisans, offering them working capital loans, term loans, and other financial products tailored to their needs.
Credit Guarantee Scheme
- The credit guarantee scheme seeks address the issue in getting loans for artisans, and ensure credit flow to the handicrafts sector
- It alleviates difficulties associated with of collateral security or third party guarantee to get bank loans
- Government gives guarantee for collateral free loans up to Rs 25 lakh to artisans/ producers groups/ Self Help Groups.
Human Resource Development
- HRD Scheme aims to provide qualified and trained workforce to the handicraft sector
- Focuses on creating a strong production base for high-quality products
- Includes training programs through established institutions
- Offers technical and soft skill training for artisans
- Provides training through Guru Shishya Parampara (traditional mentor-disciple approach)
- Incorporates design mentorship and apprentice program
MUDRA Loans
- MUDRA, which stands for Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd., is a new institution being set up by Government of India for development and refinancing activities relating to microunits.
- It was announced by the Hon’ble Finance Minister while presenting the Union Budget for FY2016.
- The purpose of MUDRA is to provide funding to the non corporate small business sector.
Awards
- The schemes recognize exceptional handicraft talents.
- Shilp Guru Awards, National Awards and National Merit Certificates are given to outstanding craftspersons who maintain excellence in craftsmanship and keep the old tradition alive
- The awards given to artisans for their contribution in innovating different styles and designs of the traditional craftsmanship, and to encourage them continue with the highest level of aesthetic character, quality and skill in the traditional Indian Handicrafts
Toolkit
- This scheme has been proposed for continuation in the 12th Plan period.
- The objective of the scheme is to improve the productivity of the craftsmen and their income.
- Model tool-kits, safety equipment, looms, furnace etc. may be approved at DC(H) office before distribution
- Financial Assistance for supply of tools, safety equipment, looms, furnace etc.