Kerala
Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans (ASHA)
Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala
About This Scheme
The ASHA scheme by the Government of Kerala offers one-time grant assistance up to ₹3 lakh to eligible handicraft artisans for setting up or developing their micro-enterprises.
The Government of Kerala has launched the “Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans (ASHA)” to provide crucial financial support to artisans operating in the state's vibrant handicrafts sector. This initiative offers grants for setting up and enhancing handicraft enterprises, aiming to streamline existing support mechanisms under a single comprehensive scheme. An artisan, for the purpose of this scheme, is defined as a person recognized by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Govt. of India, or by state-level organizations such as SURABHI, KSBC, KADCO, HDCK, and KELPALM, who has also taken concrete steps to establish an enterprise in the handicrafts domain.
Objectives of the ASHA Scheme
Benefits
- The ASHA scheme provides substantial financial backing for handicraft artisans.
- General Category artisans can receive 40% of their Fixed Capital Investment, capped at ₹2.00 lakh.
- For Young (18-45 years), Women, and SC/ST artisans, the assistance is enhanced to 50% of the Fixed Capital Investment, limited to ₹3.00 lakh.
- This one-time grant covers essential expenditures such as the construction of work sheds or workshops, procurement of tools, equipment, and machinery, electrification costs, and support for technology integration, product development, and design improvements.
- The entire approved assistance is disbursed in a single installment upon approval, providing immediate liquidity for enterprise setup and growth.
How to Apply
Rolling basis
Quick Info
Amount / Funding
Up to ₹3 Lakhs
State / Region
Kerala
Ministry / Dept
Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala
Tags
GrantEquity-freeNon-repayableIdeaProduct