Get Updates
Get notified of breaking news, exclusive insights, and must-see stories!

Karkhandar Scheme For Development Of Craft Sector 2026

The Artist Welfare Fund of Assam provides financial help to artists in need, supporting them through old Read More... age, illness, or accidents. Read less

Details

The state of Assam recognizes the contributions of its artists and has established a dedicated fund to support them during difficult times. The 'Artist Welfare Fund of Assam' is an initiative by the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation, operating under the Department of Cultural Affairs. This scheme aims to offer a helping hand to artists across Assam who might be facing financial hardship due to age, illness, or unforeseen accidents.

What Is This Scheme?

This scheme is essentially a financial assistance program designed to support artists and their dependents. It addresses various needs, including financial distress arising from old age, handicaps due to accidents or diseases, medical aid, and even educational support for children.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The primary beneficiaries are artists who have made significant contributions to the art and culture of Assam. This includes individuals involved in various art forms and cultural activities who are facing financial difficulties. Dependents of deceased artists may also be eligible for support.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The scheme plays a crucial role in acknowledging the lifelong dedication of artists to preserving and enriching Assam's cultural heritage. By providing support during periods of distress, it ensures that artists can maintain their dignity and well-being, allowing them to focus on their creative pursuits without undue financial worry.

Objective

The Artist Welfare Fund of Assam provides financial help to artists in need, supporting them through old age, illness, or accidents.

Benefits

Financial assistance to Trainees:
  • Rate of stipend per trainee/ per month:- ₹2000/- (₹1000/- shall be paid through an individual bank account and the rest of the amount shall be disbursed on the successful completion of probation/ practical training session).
  • The trainees are facilitated in the opening of Bank accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
  • Financial assistance to the Karkhandar (Trainer):
  • Logistic Charges/Honorarium to Trainer/Karkhandar: ₹ 2000/- per trainee per month. (A minimum of five trainees for an identified small Karkhana and a maximum of 10 trainees for an identified big Karkhana.)
  • The Karkhandar is provided a lump sum of ₹25,000/- per batch as expenditure on account of all the logistics needed for running the training program successfully, i.e. tools, equipment, looms, raw material, space, etc.
  • The amount shall be disbursed in two installments:
  • 1st installment at the commencement of the training program
  • 2nd installment on successful completion of the training program.
  • Note:
  • The honorarium to Karkhandars shall be disbursed only after assessing that the desired level of skills is achieved by the trainee and trainees shall be evaluated through an approved qualifying framework devised for skill up-gradation level.
  • The disbursement shall be through DBT mode only.
  • Sources and references

    Who Can Apply?

    1. You must be an artist actively involved in the field of art and culture within Assam.
    2. If you are the artist applying, you should be at least 20 years old.
    3. You must be experiencing financial distress.
    4. You should have a recognized achievement or made a notable mark in your field of art and culture.
    5. You need to provide evidence or credentials to support your artistic achievements.

    How To Apply

    To apply for the Artist Welfare Fund of Assam, you need to follow an offline process:

    1. Download the standard application form from the official website.
    2. Fill out the form completely with all the required details.
    3. Submit the filled application form along with all necessary documents to the office of the Assam State Film (Finance & Development) Corporation Ltd (ASFFDC).

    Application Submission Address:
    Assam State Film (Finance & Development) Corporation Ltd (ASFFDC)
    Shilpgram Road, near Sankardev Kalakshetra,
    Panjabari, Guwahati-37.

    Documents Required

    You need to submit self-attested copies of the following documents:

    • A recent (not older than six months) clear and colored passport-sized photograph.
    • Aadhaar Card.
    • Proof of Identity.
    • Proof of Residence in Assam (e.g., Passport, Driving License, Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Bank Statement, Domicile Certificate, etc.).
    • Proof of Age/Date of Birth (e.g., Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, Birth Certificate, Matriculation Certificate, etc.).
    • Proof and details related to your achievements in the field of arts.
    • Details of awards, distinctions, or honors conferred upon you.
    • Proof of medical ailment (Medical Certificate), if applicable.
    • Income Certificate.
    • Details of your Aadhaar-linked bank account.

    FAQ’s

    What does 'dependent' mean for this scheme?

    For this scheme, a 'dependent' includes the spouse of a deceased artist, minor sons and daughters, unmarried and non-earning daughters, and parents who were wholly dependent on the artist.

    Can artists facing issues due to old age get help from this fund?

    Yes, absolutely. The scheme is designed to help artists, or their dependents, who are in financial distress due to old age, or are handicapped because of an accident or disease.

    How can I prove my contributions or achievements in art and culture?

    You should be able to present artistic credentials that clearly support your achievements in the field of arts and culture.

    What is the definition of an 'artist' for this welfare fund?

    An 'artist' here means someone who has significantly contributed to Assam's art and culture through their creativity. This includes performing artists, dancers, musicians, actors, visual artists, sculptors, craftsmen, and technicians.

    Are online applications accepted for this scheme?

    No, currently, applications must be submitted offline. You need to download the standard application form from the website and send it to the ASFFDC office in Guwahati.

    Does this scheme cover educational expenses for an artist's children?

    Yes, the scheme provides for the education of an artist's dependents, with a limit of up to two children.

    Is there an age requirement to apply for the scheme?

    Yes, if you are an artist applying, you must be over 20 years of age.

    Where can I find the application form for the Artist Welfare Fund?

    You can find the format of the application form at this link: Application Form.

    Which documents are accepted as proof of identity for residence?

    Acceptable documents for proof of residence include Passport, Driving License, Electricity Bill, Landline Telephone Bill, Water Bill, Gas Connection Bill, Bank Account Statement, Domicile Certificate, Spouse's Passport, Post Office Pass Book, Property Registration Document, or Elector's Photo Identity Card.

    What are the main goals of the Artist Welfare Fund?

    The main objectives are to financially assist artists and their dependents facing distress due to old age or illness, provide medical aid, support education for up to two children, and offer help during accidents or medical emergencies.

    Does the scheme apply to artists in other Northeast states?

    No, the 'Artist Welfare Fund of Assam' is exclusively for artists residing within the state of Assam.

    Which department oversees the Assam State Film (Finance And Development) Corporation?

    The Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation operates under the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam.

    Can the passport-sized photo be older than six months?

    No, the passport-sized photograph must be recent, clear, and colored, taken not more than six months before submission.

    Is getting financial aid from this fund guaranteed for every artist?

    No, receiving financial assistance is not a right. It depends on whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and the availability of funds. The Board also reserves the right to reject any application without stating a reason.

    What kinds of documents are accepted as proof of age or date of birth?

    Accepted documents for age or date of birth proof are Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Elector's Photo Identity Card, Passport, Driving License, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, or Matriculation/10th Class Certificate/Marksheet.

    Notifications
    Settings
    Clear Notifications
    Notifications
    Use the toggle to switch on notifications
    • Block for 8 hours
    • Block for 12 hours
    • Block for 24 hours
    • Don't block
    Gender
    Select your Gender
    • Male
    • Female
    • Others
    Age
    Select your Age Range
    • Under 18
    • 18 to 25
    • 26 to 35
    • 36 to 45
    • 45 to 55
    • 55+