National Science Chair- Scientific Excellence 2026

This scheme provides financial aid to establish handicraft emporias in suitable locations, offering a crucial marketing platform Read More... for local artisans. Read less

Details

Do you work with handicrafts and want a better way to showcase your products? The National Handicrafts Development Programme has a special component, 'Infrastructure and Technology Support: EMPORIA', designed just for this purpose.

This program aims to boost the reach of local artisans by helping set up attractive and well-located emporias. These outlets will serve as vital marketing hubs, connecting artisans directly with buyers.

What Is This Scheme?

The 'Infrastructure and Technology Support: EMPORIA' is part of the larger 'National Handicrafts Development Programme'. Its main goal is to help organizations set up new emporia or improve existing ones. These emporias will be located in places that are good for business, whether in buildings owned or rented by the implementing agencies. The idea is to create a dedicated space where the beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans can be displayed and sold effectively.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is primarily for organizations that can help set up and run these emporia. This includes government bodies like State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporations, eligible NGOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), local government bodies, and business associations. Producer companies focused on handicraft development and educational institutions like NIFT are also encouraged to participate. Even government departments can implement this scheme.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Creating dedicated emporias helps local artisans gain better market access without relying on middlemen. It provides a professional platform to display their skills and products, potentially increasing their income and preserving traditional crafts. For buyers, it offers a trusted place to find authentic, high-quality handicrafts.

Objective

This scheme provides financial aid to establish handicraft emporias in suitable locations, offering a crucial marketing platform for local artisans.

Benefits

An amount of ₹1.5 lakhs per month will be given to the awardee as a fellowship.
The Research Grant in this case will be ₹25 lakhs per annum.
For overhead expenses, ₹1.0 lakh per annum will be given to the host institution.

Note:The grant shall be used for manpower, equipment, travel (including international), contingency, etc. It needs to be utilized as per the norms of the Host Institute. Items purchased out of the contingency grant will be the property of the Host Institute after the completion of tenure. However, in certain listed items, their retention by the awardee will be decided in accordance with the existing government rules and regulations on the subject.

Sources and references

Official Website

Who Can Apply for This Scheme?

To be eligible to set up or improve emporia under this scheme, the following organizations can apply:

Government Corporations and Agencies: This includes Central/State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporations, and other eligible government corporations or agencies promoted by State or local government bodies.
Non-Governmental Organizations and Associations: Eligible NGOs, Registered Self-Help Groups (SHGs), local statutory bodies, exporter bodies/associations, Apex Cooperative Societies, and National level Apex Societies. Organizations like IICT, MHSC, HMCM, NIFT, and Export Promotion Councils are also included.
Producer Companies: Companies registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act that are actively working for the promotion and development of Handicrafts & Handlooms.
Government Departments: Any government department can also implement components of this scheme.

How to Apply for Emporia Support

To apply for assistance under the 'Infrastructure and Technology Support: EMPORIA' component, here's the general process:

Prepare Your Proposal: Fill out the proposal in the prescribed proforma. Ensure all supporting documents are complete and attested by the implementing agency.
Get Recommendations: Obtain a recommendation letter from the relevant Field Office/Regional Office of the Handicrafts Department.
Submit Application: Send the complete proposal with all required documents in hard copy to the concerned Handicraft Service Center (HSC), Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). Applications are accepted offline.
Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): If your proposal is approved, you will need to sign an MoU outlining specific deliverables and project goals.

Official Address for Submissions:
Concerned Handicraft Service Center (HSC),
O/o the DC (HC)

For detailed application forms and guidelines, please refer to the official links provided in the 'Documents Required' section.

Documents You'll Need

Gathering the right documents is key for a smooth application process. Here’s a breakdown:

For New Emporia Proposals:

Proposal submitted in the official proforma.
Recommendation letter from the Field Office/Regional Office.
A valid Registration Certificate for your organization.
Articles and Memorandum of Association.
Your organization's Bye-Laws.
Audited statement of accounts and Balance Sheets for the last three years.
The Annual Report from the previous year.
An affidavit confirming no corrupt practices and the validity of your registration.
Proof of ownership or a lease agreement for the proposed project location, along with a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
A feasibility report for the project, certified by a scheduled commercial bank.
Construction plan and cost estimates, authenticated by an Architect or Chartered Engineer.
A third-party assessment report from a recognized Chartered Engineer/technical valuer for any equipment or machines to be installed.
An undertaking confirming that the implementing agency will bear the balance cost and any escalation, as per the scheme guidelines.
Any other documents specified in the Proforma or requested by the competent authority.

For Reimbursement Proposals:

Monthly Performance Report or Performance cum Achievement Report, including photographs of the work done.
A verification report of expenditures, detailing the mode of payment, from the concerned Assistant Director, Handicrafts Service Centre/Field formation.
Utilization Certificate (UC) in GFR 12A format, duly verified and certified by a Chartered Accountant (with membership number) and countersigned by the Implementing Agency.
Audited statement of accounts and statement of expenditure, verified and certified by a Chartered Accountant (with membership number) and countersigned by the Implementing Agency.
An inspection report from the concerned Assistant Director of the field office.
Any other documents as required by the competent authority.

Mandatory Certifications for All Applicants:

Confirm that you haven't received financial aid from any other source for the same purpose.
Acknowledge that you fully understand the scheme's provisions and take responsibility for completing the project on time.
Certify that your organization has all the necessary infrastructure to implement the project.
Assure that there is no overlap with existing schemes from other ministries.
Declare that your organization is not involved in any corrupt practices and has not been blacklisted by any central or state agencies.
Confirm that there are no pending Utilization Certificates (UCs) for any scheme under the Office of the DC (Handicrafts).

Note: All submitted documents must be attested by the Implementing Agency.

Official Sources:

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the Emporia component under the National Handicrafts Development Programme?

The main objective is to create a strong marketing platform for local handicrafts artisans right in their own areas, by helping set up or improve emporias.

Can a national-level apex society apply to set up an emporium?

Yes, national-level apex societies registered under the Society Act or Trust Act, and those working for handicraft development, are eligible to apply as implementing agencies.

How much money can be given for renovating an existing emporium?

For strengthening or renovating existing emporia, the maximum financial assistance per unit is ₹15,00,000.

What is the full form of NHDP?

NHDP stands for the National Handicrafts Development Programme.

Does the government cover the entire cost of strengthening or renovating an emporia?

Yes, in cases of strengthening or renovation of existing emporia, the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) covers 100% of the admissible costs.

Where should I send my proposal for this scheme?

Your proposal, along with all required documents, should be addressed and sent in hard copy to the concerned Handicraft Service Center (HSC) under the Office of the DC (Handicrafts).

What percentage of the project cost needs to be borne by the implementing agency for new emporias?

Generally, the implementing agency needs to contribute 20% of the admissible amount, while the O/o the DC (H) bears 80%. However, for the Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the agency's contribution is only 10%.

Is there a specific link to download the application form for setting up an emporium?

Yes, you can find the Proforma for Proposal at this link: http://www.handicrafts.nic.in/cmsUpload/20221026154722Emporia.pdf

What is the maximum financial limit for setting up a new emporium?

The per unit cost ceiling for setting up a new emporium (whether in a rented or owned building) is ₹60,00,000.

Can producer companies apply for this scheme?

Yes, producer companies registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act and working for the promotion of handicrafts and handlooms are eligible to apply.

Do I need to provide a feasibility report for my emporia project?

Yes, a feasibility report for the proposed project, certified by a scheduled commercial bank, is required for fresh proposals.

Are online applications accepted for this scheme?

No, this scheme requires applications to be submitted offline in hard copy.

Where can I find the full scheme guidelines?

You can access the complete scheme guidelines at: http://handicrafts.nic.in/pdf/Scheme.pdf#page=1

Who is responsible for the rental costs of the emporia?

The rental amount for the emporia space is to be borne by the implementing agency.