Destitute Agricultural Labourers Pension Scheme 2026

This scheme helps West Bengal artisans connect with online markets and e-commerce platforms by providing financial support Read More... for digital marketing efforts. Read less

Details

The West Bengal government is extending a helping hand to its talented artisans to embrace the digital age. The Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department has launched the "Support for Digital Marketing" sub-scheme, part of the broader "West Bengal Artisans Financial Benefit Scheme." This initiative, effective from March 7, 2024, for a period of five years, aims to open up new avenues for artisans by helping them reach a wider customer base through digital markets and e-commerce.

What Is This Scheme?

The "Support for Digital Marketing" scheme is designed to empower artisans in West Bengal. It provides financial assistance to help them adopt digital marketing strategies and sell their unique crafts online. The goal is to create more stable and profitable business opportunities for artisans across the state.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is for individual artisans and also for industrial cooperative societies that are composed of artisans. If you're involved in traditional crafts and use hand tools, equipment, or small machines, and are a resident of West Bengal for at least 10 years, you could be eligible.

Why This Scheme Is Important

In today's world, an online presence is crucial for business growth. This scheme recognizes the importance of digital platforms for artisans, helping them move beyond local markets. By facilitating access to e-commerce, it aims to boost their income and preserve traditional crafts by making them economically viable for future generations.

Objective

This scheme helps West Bengal artisans connect with online markets and e-commerce platforms by providing financial support for digital marketing efforts.

Benefits

Pension:

₹1,000/- per month.

Free Clothes during Pongal and Deepavali:

One free dhoti to a male pensioner.

One free saree to a female pensioner.

Free Rice in Anganwadi Centres:

2kg/month to those who are taking nutritious meal.

4kg/month to those who are not taking nutritious meal.

Sources and references

Citizen’s Charter (2011)

Eligibility Criteria

You must be an artisan or part of an industrial cooperative society of artisans.
Your age should be between 18 and 60 years.
You should be actively involved in traditional crafts or trades using hand tools, equipment, or small machines.
Your name must be registered on the State Portal for artisans & weavers.
You must be an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of West Bengal for at least the last 10 years.

How To Apply

Applications are processed at the local administrative offices:

For those in rural areas (Panchayat areas), submit your application at the Block Development Officer (BDO) Office.
For those in Municipality areas, applications should be submitted at the Sub-Divisional Officer's (SDO) Office.
For residents in Corporation areas, applications are to be made at the Municipal Corporation Office.

Screening committees at these offices will review applications regularly.

Documents Required

Proof that you are enrolled on the State portal for artisans & weavers.
Registration certificate (if applying as an industrial cooperative society).
Invoices or bills related to your digital marketing expenses.

FAQ’s

When did this scheme start, and how long will it run?

The scheme was launched on March 7, 2024, and it's planned to be active for five years.

What types of crafts and trades are covered under this scheme?

The scheme covers a wide range of traditional crafts and trades across West Bengal. This includes crafts done by handicraft artisans, as well as traditional trades like pottery, carpentry, blacksmithing, shoemaking, garland making, and many more, such as musical instrument making, puppetry, and goldsmithy.

What is the financial help provided by the government for digital marketing?

Under this sub-scheme, individual artisans can receive ₹2000, and industrial cooperative societies formed by artisans are eligible for ₹10,000.

Who is responsible for managing this scheme?

The Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department is in charge of implementing and overseeing this scheme.

How are applications reviewed and approved?

Applications from Panchayat areas are reviewed by a committee at the BDO Office. For Municipality areas, applications go to a committee at the SDO's Office. In Corporation areas, applications are screened by a committee at the Corporation office. The Directorate of MSME will finalize the necessary checklists and formats for inspection.

What happens if someone provides incorrect information?

If an applicant provides false information or misrepresents facts, all their claims under the scheme will be cancelled.

Where can artisans go if they have a complaint or need clarification about the scheme?

If you have a grievance regarding a decision made by the General Manager, you can appeal to the Director MSME. For any questions about interpreting the scheme's rules, the Director MSME may consult the Department of MSME&T for a final decision.

Who are the main people or groups this scheme is intended for?

The scheme targets individual artisans and cooperative societies of artisans from West Bengal.

Is there a specific income limit to qualify for this scheme?

No, there isn't a particular income requirement to be eligible for this scheme.

What is the age requirement for applicants?

Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old to be eligible for this scheme.

Will artisans receive this financial support more than once?

The financial assistance provided under this scheme is a one-time benefit for the eligible beneficiaries.