Tool Kit Grant for Traditional Handicrafts Experts
State: Kerala
Ministry: null
Department: Backward Classes Development Department
Category: Skills & Employment
Beneficiary Type: Individual

The “Tool Kit Grant for Traditional Handicrafts Experts” scheme is launched for the purpose for improving the productivity and competitiveness of the traditional OBC craftsmen ensuring quality goods for enhanced income and thereby qualitative improvement in their living conditions.

Benefits:
1.	The training costs, stipend (if found necessary), and tool kit grant together shall be limited to ₹25000/-.
2.	The training and stipend portion is limited to ₹5000/-.
3.	The maximum period of training will be three months.
**Note 01:** The focus will be on machinery and equipment.
**Note 02:** The tools developed by reputed institutions will be encouraged amongst the craftsmen.
**Note 03:** The choice of tools and machinery will be based on the occupation.
**Note 04**: The beneficiaries can freely select whichever agency to procure equipment.
**Note 05:** The grant is for modernization of traditional occupation i.e. for procurement of modern tools and machinery.
**Note 06:** The grant should not be used as working capital.

Eligibility:
1.	The applicant should be a permanent resident of the Kerala State.
2.	The applicant should belong to the State Backward Communities of Kerala State.
3.	The applicant should be engaged in traditional craftwork/skilled work.
4.	The upper age limit of the applicant should be 60 years.
5.	The annual family income of the applicant should be ₹1,00,000/-.
**Note 01:** Those having more than two girl children shall get preference.
**Note 02:** The differently abled person shall get preference.
**Note 03:** Those having more than 10 years of experience shall get preference.

Application Process:
[Offline]
Step 01: The application will be invited through public notification in all the leading news dailies. If it is necessary an advertisement will be published.
Step 02: The applicants should apply in the prescribed form with all relevant documents and submit it to the Regional Deputy Director.
Step 03: On receipt of the applications, the scrutiny will be carried out at the Regional level.
Step 04: A draft list will be prepared on the basis of certificates and preliminary field inquiries. This will be subjected to further scrutiny by the Director, BCDD and a final list will be drawn up.
Step 05: Those selected will undergo training in their respective field of work if it is necessary.
Note 01: The training will be arranged in various localities of the state according to the number of applicants.
Note 02: Those who successfully complete the training or those who already have the competency to adopt the new technology for each work will be selected for a tool kit grant. The choice of tools will be vested with the applicant.
Note 03: The cash bill for the tools purchased has to be submitted to the Department and the Department will reimburse the eligible amount to the concerned beneficiaries.
Address for applying:Applicants from Trivandrum to Ernakulam:
Regional Deputy Director, Backward Classes Development Department
Civil Station, 2nd Floor, Kakkanad
Ernakulam- 682030
Applicants from Thrissur to Kasargode:
Regional Deputy Director, Backward Classes Development Department
Civil Station, Kozhikide- 673020

Documents Required:
Identity proof
Photo of the applicant
Caste Certificate
Income Certificate
Experience Certificate
Certificate regarding Non-receipt of other grants from LSGD, KADCO, etc.
Photograph of the work site
Photocopy of bank passbook
Any other document, if required