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The 'National Handicrafts Development Programme: Research & Development Scheme' aims to gather crucial feedback on the economic, Read More... social, aesthetic, and promotional aspects of India's vibrant handicraft sector and its artisans. It funds surveys and studies to inform future planning. Read less
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India's rich heritage of handicrafts is a cornerstone of its culture and economy. To ensure this sector continues to thrive and adapt, the government has introduced the 'Research & Development Scheme' as part of the 'National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)'. This initiative by the Ministry of Textiles is designed to gather valuable insights and support the growth and promotion of handicrafts and artisans across the country.
What Is This Scheme?
The NHDP: Research & Development Scheme focuses on understanding the handicraft sector from various angles – economic, social, artistic, and promotional. It achieves this by funding and conducting comprehensive surveys and studies. These efforts provide essential data for effective planning and policy-making. Additionally, the scheme organises workshops, seminars, conferences, and even radio programs, both online and offline, to keep artisans informed about the latest developments in their field.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme primarily supports organisations and institutions that play a role in the handicraft ecosystem. This includes various government bodies, NGOs, educational institutions, producer companies, and export promotion councils. By supporting research and development, the scheme indirectly benefits artisans by leading to better planning, more effective support systems, and improved market access for their creations.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The scheme is crucial for several reasons. It helps in identifying challenges faced by artisans, such as raw material availability, technology adoption, and design needs. It also aids in understanding market trends, both domestic and international, to explore new export opportunities. By funding studies and conducting outreach programs, the scheme helps in documenting endangered crafts, protecting traditional knowledge, and promoting global standards among handicraft exporters. Ultimately, it contributes to the sustainable growth and preservation of India's invaluable handicraft heritage.
Objective
Benefits
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
Grants-in-aid under this scheme can be provided to public bodies and institutions possessing a distinct legal identity. Eligible entities include:
- Autonomous organisations established under specific statutes or registered societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
- Producer Companies and Section-8 Companies (as defined under the Companies Act, 2013).
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
- Educational and other recognised institutions.
- Urban and Rural Local Self-government bodies.
- Export Promotion Councils.
- Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIC).
- National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi.
- State/Central Government Agencies.
Applicant organisations must also certify the following in their application:
- They have not received financial assistance from any other source for the same project.
- They fully understand the scheme provisions and commit to completing the project successfully within the approved duration.
- They possess all necessary infrastructure to conduct the proposed programs.
- Their proposed activities do not overlap with existing schemes of other Ministries.
- No outstanding Utilization Certificates (UCs) are pending for any scheme under the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
- The organisation is registered with the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) and will comply with the guidelines issued by the Department of Expenditure.
How To Apply
Organisations seeking support under the 'Research & Development Scheme' should submit fresh proposals following the prescribed format. For reimbursement proposals, specific recommendations and verification reports are required.
For Fresh Proposals:
- Submit the proposal in the prescribed proforma.
- Include a valid Registration Certificate (or empanelment certificate for NGOs, or incorporation certificate for companies).
- Provide the Article & Memorandum of Association.
- Submit the Bye-Laws of the organisation.
- Attach audited Balance Sheets and Annual Reports for the past three years.
- Include required affidavits confirming the organisation is free from corrupt practices and has not been blacklisted.
- List of proposed beneficiaries.
- Details of proposed locations or a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
- All submitted documents must be attested by the Implementing Agency.
- Attach a copy of the Empanelled Certificate issued by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
- Provide the Name and Address of the Bank, Account Number, and IFSC code of the organisation's bank account.
For Reimbursement Proposals:
- Obtain specific recommendations from the concerned Regional Director/Assistant Director.
- Submit a Verification Report in the prescribed format, detailing the expenditure.
- Provide a Statement of Expenditure clearly indicating the mode of payment used.
- Submit a Utilization Certificate in GFR 12A format, verified and certified by a Chartered Accountant and countersigned by the Implementing Agency.
- Submit Audited Statement of Accounts, verified and certified by a Chartered Accountant (including their membership number) and countersigned by the Implementing Agency.
- Include an Inspection Report.
- List of beneficiaries (Artisans) with all relevant details.
- A Performance cum Achievement Report/Documentation Report.
- Bio-Data of Master Craftspersons (MCP)/Designer/Resource Person.
- Photographs of events and soft copies of video recordings, along with attendance sheets of artisans.
Official Sources:
- Scheme Guidelines: http://handicrafts.nic.in/pdf/Scheme.pdf#page=1
- Application Form: http://handicrafts.nic.in/cmsUpload/20220607105555proposal notice_0001.pdf
Documents Required
For Fresh Proposals:
- Proposal in the prescribed proforma.
- Valid Registration Certificate (or empanelment/incorporation certificate). [Self-attested]
- Article & Memorandum of Association.
- Bye-Laws.
- Three years' Balance Sheet, Annual Report, and audited statement of accounts. [Self-attested]
- Required Affidavits (e.g., not involved in corrupt practices, not black-listed).
- List of proposed beneficiaries.
- Details of proposed locations / Detailed Project Report (DPR).
- All documents must be attested by the Implementing Agency.
- Copy of Empanelled Certificate issued by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
- Bank details: Name of Bank, Account Number, and IFSC code.
For Reimbursement Proposals:
- Specific recommendations from the concerned Regional Director/Assistant Director.
- Verification report (gist of expenditure) in the prescribed format.
- Statement of Expenditure clearly indicating the mode of payment.
- Utilization Certification (GFR 12A) duly verified by a Chartered Accountant and countersigned by the Implementing Agency.
- Audited statement of Accounts, verified by a Chartered Accountant (with membership No.) and countersigned by the Implementing Agency.
- Inspection Report.
- List of beneficiaries (Artisans) with details.
- Performance cum Achievement Report/Documentation Report.
- Bio-Data of Master Craftspersons (MCP)/Designer/Resource Person.
- Photographs of events and soft copy of videography, along with attendance of artisans.
FAQ’s
What is the full form of NHDP?
NHDP stands for the 'National Handicrafts Development Programme'.
How is the financial assistance disbursed?
Financial assistance is provided in two installments. The first installment, which is 75% of the sanctioned amount, is released as an advance. The remaining 25% is released as reimbursement upon completion of the project milestones.
What is the maximum amount allowed for a Senior Research Expert in studies/surveys?
The maximum permissible monthly amount for a Senior Research Expert is ₹35,000/-.
Can the financial limits or project duration be changed?
Yes, in special circumstances, the number of days for a project and the financial limits can be increased, provided there is special approval from the Competent Authority.
What is the main goal of the NHDP: Research & Development Scheme?
The primary purpose is to gather feedback on the economic, social, aesthetic, and promotional aspects of the handicraft sector and its artisans. This information is then used to generate inputs for planning and development.
How are participants selected for seminars or workshops?
Artisans with a 'Pahchan card' can participate. Beneficiary selection must be fair, transparent, and based on objective criteria, ensuring equal opportunities under the supervision of the Assistant Director (Handicrafts).
Are there any preferences in the selection of artisans?
Yes, preference is given to marginalized social groups, including SC/ST, women, and differently-abled persons, to ensure their recognition, equality, and empowerment, regardless of the craft they practice.
How are research fellows and resource persons chosen?
For studies/surveys, eligible candidates are engaged by the implementing agency based on their detailed profiles. For seminars/workshops, eminent personalities or internal faculty can be engaged with prior approval, provided they have proven knowledge and experience in handicrafts and research.
What is the duration of a Survey/Study project?
The project duration for Surveys/Studies can range from a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 12 months.
How are the projects monitored?
Assistant Directors (Handicrafts) and field office officials will visit during implementation, sending updated reports with photographs. They assess progress and suggest corrective actions. This information is forwarded to the Head Quarter office in New Delhi.
How must payments be made to beneficiaries?
All payments to beneficiaries and concerned parties must be made exclusively through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
Where can I find the official guidelines for the scheme?
You can find the scheme guidelines at the following link: http://handicrafts.nic.in/pdf/Scheme.pdf#page=1
How many Investigators [Graduate] are needed for studies/surveys?
Three Investigators [Graduate] are required for Conducting Studies/Surveys.
Where should beneficiary details be uploaded?
The details of the beneficiaries should be uploaded on the portal or MIS of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
How many Senior Research Experts are required for studies/surveys?
Two Senior Research Experts are required for Conducting Studies/Surveys.
What is the maximum allowance for TA/DA in studies/surveys?
The maximum permissible amount for TA/DA is ₹18,000/- per month.
What percentage of the grant is released as an advance?
In the first installment, 75% of the sanctioned amount is released as an advance.
What percentage of the grant is released as reimbursement?
In the second installment, 25% of the sanctioned amount is released as reimbursement.
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