Question: Tell me about the Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans scheme.

Answer: and declare such information as to be true.The applicant shall provide clarifications or further details sought by the
recommending/ sanctioning authority.The applicant shall allow inspection or verification of any details mentioned in the application
including tools, equipment & accessories, and all other assets if so required by the recommending/sanctioning authority.The applicant
shall produce originals of any important documents if so required by the recommending/sanctioning authority for verification.The
applicant shall execute the requisite legal agreement on paper as and when the proposal is approved for implementation.The applicant
shall utilize the amount received only in the manner agreed upon.The applicant shall operate the unit as stipulated in the agreement in
which the quantum of support received failing which the assistance shall be resumed by resorting to the provisions of the Kerala
Revenue Recovery Act.Application ProcessOnlineStep 01: Application can be submitted online through the Official website of the
Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Government of Kerala. The applicant needs to visit the official website.Step 02: The applicant
may select the scheme â€œAssistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisansâ€​ from the available Online Services listed on the home page and
click on the â€œApply Nowâ€​ option. While clicking â€œApply Nowâ€​ redirected to the Login Page. If a new user uses the â€œNew
Registrationâ€​ option and if already registered use the â€˜Loginâ€™ option.Step 03: A new user can register by filling in his/her details
and after successful registration, the user can login.Step 04: After successful login, the applicant reaches the â€œApplicant Home pageâ€​
and clicks on â€œNew Applicationâ€​ and then â€˜Proceedâ€™.Step 05: Fill out the application form completely and click on
â€˜Submitâ€™.ï»¿User Manual for Applicantâ€™s Loginï»¿Documents Required1. Self-attested copy of the identity card of the
applicant.2. Passport size photo3. Proof of age, if applicable4. Self-attested copy of the resolution towards applying for this assistance in
case of a unit other than proprietary.5. Self-attested copy of Udyam Registration of the unit.6. Copy of Caste Certificate (Attested by
Gazetted Officer) in case of SC/ST artisans.7. Self-attested copy of Project Report8. Bank account detailsFrequently Asked
QuestionsWhat is the aim of the scheme?The Scheme aims to replace the existing scheme and bring the artisans in the handicrafts sector
under the ambit of a single scheme for availing financial assistance in the form of grant assistance for setting up handicraft
enterprises.What is the objective of the scheme?The objective of the scheme is to provide extensive support to artisans in the handicrafts
sector for setting up handicrafts-based micro-enterprises and give one-time support (grant) to eligible artisans of the State as back-end
assistance.Which is the implementing department of this scheme?Industries & Commerce Department, Government of KeralaWhat does
â€˜Artisanâ€™ mean?An artisan is a person who has been categorized as such by the office of the Development Commissioner
(Handicrafts), Govt. of India or SURABHI, KSBC, KADCO, HDCK, KELPALM and has taken effective steps to set-up an enterprise in
the handicrafts sector.What does â€˜Enterpriseâ€™ mean?An industrial unit falling under Micro category under the MSMED Act 2006
and having filed EM Part -II or Udyog Aadhaar.What does â€œWomen enterpriseâ€​ mean?An enterprise in which at least 50% of the
promoters are women artisans. What does â€œYoung artisanâ€​ mean?An artisan between the age of 15 and 45. In case of more than one
artisan, then to be eligible for assistance under this Scheme, all the artisans shall be between the age of 18 and 45. At the time of filing
application for assistance under ASHA. the artisan(s) should have attained 18 years of age as on the 1st April of the concerned financial
yew and should not have attained 45 years of age as on the 1st April of the concerned financial year.What does â€œScheduled Caste and
Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurâ€​ mean?An artisan belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes under The Constitution
Amendment (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1050/ The institution Amendment (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 (as amended by Scheduled
Castes/scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 1976. In case of more than one promoter, then eligible for assistance under this
Scheme, at least 50 % of the promoters shall be SC/ST.What does â€œRecommending Authorityâ€​ mean?Office of the Development
Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India or SURABHI, KSBC, KADCO, HDCK, KELPALM for artisans registered through
them. In all other cases, the recommending authority shall be the respective Manager in-charge of Handicrafts, District Industries
Centres. The recommending authority shall accept applications, process the applications and place the applications before the District
Level handicraft Project Appraisal Committee, The committee shall scrutinize the applications and recommend to the sanctioning
authority and disburse the assistance.Which types of enterprises are eligible to get the benefits of the scheme?All Micro Enterprises
engaged in the handicraft sector and set up in the State, which had filed Entrepreneurs Memorandum Part-II with the respective General
Manager, District Industries Centre, or have taken Udyog Aadhaar shall be eligible for assistance under the Scheme.What is the benefit
of the scheme?Depending upon the category of the investor, the unit can avail subsidy from 40% to 50%.For what purpose the financial
assistance shall be given to the artisan?The financial assistance shall be provided for the Fixed Capital Investment, i.e. construction of
Work shed/Workshop, cost of tool, equipment, machinery and accessories, electrification, Technology support/product/Design
development.What is the maximum assistance given to the General Category artisans under the scheme?For General Category artisans,
assistance is 40% of the Fixed Capital Investment limited to â‚¹2.00 lakh.What is the maximum assistance given to the Young artisans
under the scheme?For Young (18 to 45 years), Women, and SC/ST artisans, the assistance is 50% limited to â‚¹3.00 lakh.Is an enterprise
eligible to get assistance if it has already received any subsidy under any scheme?The financial assistance to any unit which has already
received any subsidy or grant earlier under any other schemes, from State or Central Government or Government Agencies shall be
limited to the balance remaining eligible assistance payable under this scheme.How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
Application can be submitted online through the Official website of the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Government of Kerala.