The “Karigar Sahay Yojana 2023,” also known as the Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme, is a government initiative in Gujarat, India, aimed at providing financial assistance and low-interest loans to artisans working in handicrafts and cottage industries. Here are the key details of the scheme:
Highlights:
- Name of the Scheme: Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme
- Department: Department of Industries and Mines
- Eligibility: All craftsmen
- Application Process: Offline
- Official Website: https://cottage.gujarat.gov.in
Objective:
The objective of the “Karigar Sahay Yojana 2023” or the Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme in Gujarat is to provide financial assistance and support to artisans engaged in handicrafts and cottage industries. The scheme aims to achieve several specific goals:
- Financial Support: The primary objective is to offer financial assistance to artisans registered under Index-C of Cottage and Village Industries Holdings in Gujarat. This financial support is intended to help them purchase raw materials and invest in their businesses.
- Low-Interest Loans: The scheme provides low-interest loans to artisans, making it more affordable for them to access the necessary capital for business development. This can lead to reduced reliance on private lenders with higher interest rates.
- Business Development: By offering financial resources, the scheme encourages artisans to grow and expand their craft-related enterprises. This can lead to increased productivity and income generation for artisans.
- Socio-Economic Empowerment: Supporting artisans in their craft-based businesses contributes to their socio-economic empowerment. It helps them improve their livelihoods and financial well-being.
- Promotion of Cottage Industries: The scheme promotes and supports the growth of cottage industries, which are crucial for preserving traditional crafts and promoting economic activities at the grassroots level.
- Reduced Reliance on Private Lenders: With access to low-interest loans through the scheme, artisans are less likely to depend on private lenders who often charge higher interest rates, helping them save on interest costs.
- Sustainability: By assisting artisans in obtaining the necessary financial capital, the scheme contributes to the sustainability and viability of cottage industries and handicrafts in Gujarat.
- Empowering All Craftsmen: The scheme is designed to benefit all craftsmen, providing equal opportunities for artisans from different backgrounds.
Overall, the objective of the Karigar Sahay Yojana is to strengthen the handicraft and cottage industry sector in Gujarat by providing artisans with financial support and resources, enabling them to thrive in their craft-based businesses and contributing to their economic growth and self-reliance.
Standards of Assistance:
The “Standards of Assistance” under the Karigar Sahay Yojana 2023, also known as the Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme in Gujarat, outline the specific levels of assistance provided to eligible beneficiaries. The standards of assistance may vary based on the category of the beneficiary. Here are the standards of assistance under this scheme:
General Category (Male):
- Interest Subsidy: 20%
Reserved Category (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe)/Female/40% or more Blind or Handicapped:
- Interest Subsidy: 25%
These standards of assistance refer to the percentage of interest subsidy provided to eligible beneficiaries when they avail of loans or financial assistance under the scheme. In this context, “Interest Subsidy” means that a portion of the interest on the loans taken by artisans is paid or subsidized by the government, reducing the overall cost of borrowing for the beneficiaries.
The scheme aims to provide higher levels of assistance to specific categories of beneficiaries, such as those belonging to reserved categories (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe), females, or those with certain disabilities, to promote inclusivity and support marginalized artisans in their craft-related businesses.
Benefits Available:
Under the Karigar Sahay Yojana 2023, also known as the Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme in Gujarat, eligible beneficiaries can avail of the following benefits:
Interest Subsidy:
- Beneficiaries of this scheme are entitled to an interest subsidy. The subsidy is provided at a rate of 7%.
Duration of Assistance:
- The interest subsidy is provided for a specified duration. Beneficiaries can avail of this subsidy for a maximum period of three years.
Re-Grant of Benefit:
- In some cases, beneficiaries who have paid installments for up to a maximum of three years, as determined by the regular bank, can be re-granted the benefit under this scheme. This re-grant is typically done on the recommendation of the bank.
Multiple Availments:
- Beneficiaries can avail of the benefit of this scheme multiple times, but the maximum number of times the benefit can be availed is three, provided the eligibility criteria are met each time.
The primary benefit of this scheme is the interest subsidy, which reduces the cost of borrowing for artisans registered under Index-C of Cottage and Village Industries Holdings in Gujarat. This financial support aims to facilitate easier access to capital for working capital needs, enabling artisans to invest in their craft-related businesses, purchase raw materials, and promote their economic well-being.
It’s important for prospective beneficiaries to refer to the official scheme guidelines and contact the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on the benefits available and the eligibility criteria, as government schemes and their details can change over time.
Required Documents:
To avail of the benefits under the Karigar Sahay Yojana 2023 (Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme) in Gujarat, applicants typically need to provide several required documents. These documents are necessary for verifying eligibility and processing the application.
- NIT Application Form (in duplicate): This is the application form specific to the scheme, and you need to fill it out accurately.
- Copy of Passport (both photocopies to be affixed): This could be a proof of identity document.
- Four Bus Certificates: Documentation related to your business or enterprise.
- Health Assistance Form: If applicable, a health-related form may be required.
- Eight Identity Cards/Aadhaar Cards: Proof of identity and address.
- Artisan Card: This card verifies your status as an artisan.
- Birth Registration Certificate or School Leaving Certificate: Proof of date of birth.
- Price Lists with TIN/VAT Numbers of Equipment: If you plan to purchase equipment, you may need to provide price lists along with the relevant tax identification numbers.
- List of Business Premises Basis (Rent Bill/Rent Document, House Tax, etc.): Proof of your business location.
- Proof/Consent Form if Electricity is to be Consumed: If your business operations involve electricity consumption, a proof or consent form may be required.
Please note that the specific documents required may vary based on individual circumstances and the latest guidelines of the scheme. It’s essential to consult the official scheme guidelines and contact the relevant authorities or offices for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding document requirements and the application process.
Ensure that all documents are valid, up-to-date, and in the required format when submitting your application to avoid any delays or complications in processing.
How to Apply:
Applicants need to provide various documents, including electoral ID/Aadhaar Card, Artisan Card, Birth Registration Certificate or School Leaving Certificate, price lists with TIN/VAT numbers for equipment purchases, and proof of the proposed place of business (lease/rent agreement, access to house tax, etc.). Additionally, they may need to submit a proof/consent form if electricity consumption is required.
Interested artisans can inquire further and apply for the scheme through the official website provided.
As government schemes and their details may change over time, it’s essential for prospective applicants to verify the specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and documents required by referring to the official scheme guidelines and contacting the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.