Assistance Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans (ASHA)

         This scheme is a onetime support intended to provide, handicraft artisans who invested in plant and machinery for a running handicraft unit.

       Artisan: A person who has been categorized as such by the office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India or SURABHI, KSBC, KADCO, HDCK, KELPALM, Kerala State Pottery Manufacturing Marketing and Welfare Development Corporation (KSPMMWDC) and has taken effective steps to set up an enterprise in the handicrafts sector.

Features of the Scheme

• For General category - An assistance of 40% will be payable on fixed capital investments of all micro enterprises set up by Artisans in the handicraft sector in General Category, subject to the ceiling of Rs. 3 (three) Lakhs. An assistance of Working capital grant of 40% of the working capital requirement as envisaged in the Project Report approved by the financial institutions, limited to a maximum of Rs.2 (Two) Lakhs. The total eligible assistance for fixed capital and Working capital together will be limited to an amount of 5 (five) Iakhs 
• For women, SC/ST, young entrepreneurs in the age span of 18 to 45 and differently abled categories - All micro enterprises established by Artisans who belong to women, SC/ST, young entrepreneurs in the age span of 18 to 45 and differently abled categories shall be eligible for an assistance of 50% of fixed capital investment limited to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs. An assistance of Working capital grant of 50% of the working capital requirement as envisaged in the Project Report approved by the financial institutions, limited to a maximum of Rs.3 (Three) Lakhs. The total eligible assistance for fixed capital and Working capital together will be limited to an amount of Rs.7.5 Lakhs.

How to Apply?

Application can be submitted online or in person with all supporting documents as below. .

Required Documents

1. Self attested copy of the identity card of the applicant.
2. Self attested copy of the resolution towards applying for this assistance in case of the unit other than proprietary.
3. Self attested copy of Udyam Registration of the unit.
4. Copy of Caste Certificate (Attested by Gazetted Officer) in case of SC/ST artisans.
5. Self attested copy of Project Report.

Sanctioning Authority

General Manager, District Industries Centre is the sanctioning authority.

Guidelines and Application Form for the Assistance under ASHA - DOWNLOAD

Amendment of the guidelines of ASHA (G.O. (Ms)No. 81/2023/ID, Dated 10.11.2023)- Click here to download

Apply here for ASHA

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Self Service desk has been Setup in all Taluk Industries offices of Industries & Commerce Department. 

Cluster Development & Establishment of Common Facilities Service Centre for Handicrafts Sector

Considering the huge impact of the sector in the rural economy it is crucial that urgent steps are taken for comprehensive development.  A cluster approach for development is widely appreciated as successful model and Government of India have identified cluster development as an important component in the National Handicraft Development programme. In line with this the Directorate of Industries and Commerce have initiated steps for identifying and developing clusters in traditional sectors of crafts across the state.

Thus 11 Handicraft clusters have been identified as detailed below