National Science Chair- Scientific Excellence 2026
This programme helps set up handicraft emporias in convenient locations, offering a vital sales platform for local Read More... artisans. Assistance is provided for creating new emporias or upgrading existing ones. Read less
Details
For artisans to showcase and sell their beautiful creations, good marketplaces are essential. The 'Infrastructure and Technology Support: EMPORIA' initiative, part of the larger National Handicrafts Development Programme, aims to do just that. It provides financial help to set up or improve emporia, which are essentially shops or display centres for handicrafts.
What Is This Scheme?
This scheme is a special component under the National Handicrafts Development Programme. Its main goal is to help establish 'emporia' – special showrooms – for handicrafts. These emporia will be set up in places that are good for business, using buildings that agencies already own or rent. The idea is to give local artisans a dedicated place to sell their work right in their own areas.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is designed to support organizations and bodies that can help set up and run these emporia. This includes government corporations, registered NGOs, self-help groups (SHGs), local government bodies, exporter associations, cooperative societies, and specialized institutions focused on textiles and design. Producer companies working to boost handicrafts and handlooms are also eligible. Even government departments can implement this scheme.
Why This Scheme Is Important
By setting up emporia, the scheme directly addresses the marketing challenges faced by many handicraft artisans. It creates a visible and accessible platform for their products, potentially increasing sales and improving their livelihoods. The scheme also supports the upgrading and modernization of existing outlets, ensuring they remain attractive and functional.
Objective
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
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for implementing this scheme, the following entities are eligible:
- Government Corporations: Central or State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporations, and other government-backed corporations or agencies promoted by state or local governments.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Registered NGOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), local statutory bodies, exporter associations, Apex Cooperative Societies, and National level Apex Societies. These must be registered under the Societies Act, Trusts Act, etc.
- Specialized Institutions: Organizations like IICT, MHSC, HMCM, NIFT, and Export Promotion Councils are also eligible.
- Producer Companies: Companies registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act that focus on promoting and developing Handicrafts & Handlooms.
- Government Departments: Any government department can also implement components of this scheme.
How To Apply
Applications for this scheme are typically submitted offline. Here's a general idea of the process:
- Prepare Your Proposal: Organizations must prepare a proposal in the prescribed format. This will include detailed project plans and cost estimates.
- Gather Documents: Collect all the necessary supporting documents as listed in the 'Documents Required' section. Ensure they are attested by the implementing agency.
- Get Recommendation: Obtain a recommendation letter from the concerned Field Office or Regional Office.
- Submit to the Right Office: Forward the complete application, along with all attested documents, in hard copy to the relevant Handicraft Service Center (HSC), under the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
Official Address for Submissions: Proposals should be addressed to the concerned Handicraft Service Center (HSC), Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
Important Note: The implementing agency will need to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines specific, measurable targets.
Documents Required for Application
If you are applying to set up a new emporium or are seeking reimbursement, you'll need to submit specific documents. All documents must be attested by the implementing agency.
For Fresh Proposals (Setting Up New Emporia):
- Proposal submitted in the official proforma.
- Recommendation letter from the Field Office/Regional Office.
- Valid Registration Certificate of the organization.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Organization's Bye-Laws.
- Audited statements of accounts and Balance Sheets for the last three years.
- Annual Report of the previous year.
- An affidavit confirming no corrupt practices and the validity of registration.
- Proof of land ownership or a lease agreement for the proposed project site, along with a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
- Feasibility report certified by a scheduled commercial bank.
- Construction plan and cost estimate, 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 stating that the implementing agency will cover the balance cost, including any escalated costs.
- Any other documents mentioned in the proforma or requested by the competent authority.
For Reimbursement Proposals (After Project Completion/Milestones):
- Monthly Performance Report or Performance cum Achievement Report (as applicable), including photographs.
- Verification report of expenditure, detailing the mode of payment, from the Assistant Director, Handicrafts Service Centre/Field formation.
- Utilization Certificate (UC) in GFR 12A format, 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 required by the competent authority.
Certifications Required for All Applicants:
All applicants, whether for fresh proposals or reimbursement, must certify the following:
- No financial aid has been received from any other source for the same project.
- The scheme's provisions are fully understood, and the organization takes responsibility for successful project completion within the given time.
- The organization possesses all necessary infrastructure to implement the project.
- There is no overlap or duplication of efforts with existing schemes from other ministries.
- The organization is not involved in any corrupt practices and has not been blacklisted by any central or state agencies.
- No Utilization Certificates (UCs) are pending for any scheme under the Office of the DC (Handicrafts).
Official Sources:
- Scheme Guidelines: Link to Guidelines
- Proposal Proforma: Link to Proforma
FAQ’s
What is the main goal of the 'EMPORIA' component of the National Handicrafts Development Programme?
The primary aim is to create a dedicated marketing platform for local handicraft artisans. This is achieved by setting up and supporting emporia (showrooms) where they can display and sell their products.
Can organizations located in remote or special regions receive more financial support?
Yes, for regions like the North Eastern Region, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep, the scheme provides higher assistance. The Office of the DC (Handicrafts) covers 90% of the admissible amount, with the implementing agency contributing 10%.
What is the definition of EMPORIA in this scheme?
EMPORIA refers to outlets or showrooms set up specifically to provide a marketing platform for local handicrafts. These can be established in commercially viable locations, either in buildings owned or rented by the implementing agencies.
If an organization wants to renovate an existing emporium, how much financial help can it get?
For strengthening or renovation of existing emporia, the scheme offers financial assistance up to ₹15,00,000 per unit. In such cases, the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) covers 100% of the admissible cost.
What percentage of the cost for setting up a new emporium is covered by the government?
For setting up new emporia, 80% of the admissible cost is covered by the Office of the DC (Handicrafts), and the implementing agency needs to contribute the remaining 20%.
Does this scheme cover the rent for the emporium space?
No, the scheme provides financial assistance for setting up or renovating the emporium structure and infrastructure. The implementing agency is responsible for bearing the rental costs of the building.
What is the maximum funding available for establishing a brand new emporium?
The financial ceiling for setting up a new emporium, whether in a rented or owned building, is ₹60,00,000 per unit.
Are there any specific conditions for applying for reimbursement?
Yes, for reimbursement, you need to submit monthly performance reports, verification reports of expenditure, utilization certificates (in GFR 12A), audited statements of accounts, and an inspection report from the field office, among other documents.
What is the full name of the scheme abbreviated as NHDP?
NHDP stands for the National Handicrafts Development Programme.
How can I submit my application for this scheme?
The scheme currently accepts offline applications. You need to prepare your proposal in the prescribed proforma, gather all supporting documents, get them attested, and submit the complete application in hard copy to the concerned Handicraft Service Center (HSC) of the Office of the DC (Handicrafts).
Which types of organizations are eligible to implement this scheme?
Eligibility extends to State/Central Handloom and Handicrafts Corporations, other eligible Govt. Corporations, NGOs, SHGs, local bodies, exporter associations, Apex Cooperative Societies, Producer Companies working for handicrafts, and certain specialized institutions like NIFT.
Where can I find the official application form or proforma?
The official proforma for proposals can be accessed through this link: Link to Proforma
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