GSCIMS

Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme

4.9/10

The scheme aims to encourage Goan artisans to continue traditional clay idol making by providing a subsidy of ₹100/- per idol, supporting registered local craftsmen in preserving cultural heritage and ensuring livelihood sustainability.

State Cash

States / UT: Goa

Nodal department: Commercial Taxes Department

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Social welfare & Empowerment, Business & Entrepreneurship

Sub-categories: Citizen empowerment, Financial assistance, Setting up / start-up / entrepreneurship

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Artisan, Subsidy, Cottage, Industry, Handicraft, Employment

Details

The scheme “Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme” was launched by the Department of Industries, Government of Goa. The scheme aims to revive the traditional Goan cottage industry of clay idol making and motivate local artisans by providing financial support through subsidies. It addresses the decline of this art form due to competition from cheaper alternatives such as Plaster of Paris and polyfibre. The scheme provides a subsidy of ₹100/- per idol and grants up to ₹15,000/- per artisan annually. The applicant must be a traditional clay idol maker registered with the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC) and must produce idols within Goa. The scheme is implemented through GHRSSIDC, and applications are accepted offline.

Benefits

  • - Subsidy of ₹100/- per clay idol made by registered artisans, with minimum idol size of 1 foot
  • Maximum subsidy limit: ₹15,000/- per artisan per year
  • Applicable only for idols actually produced and sold within the State of Goa. Disbursement: Cheque in favour of the artisan after fund receipt from Government. Availment: Beneficiaries must maintain sale records and provide proof of production and sale as prescribed
  • Subsidy of ₹100/- per clay idol made by registered artisans, with minimum idol size of 1 foot.
  • Maximum subsidy limit: ₹15,000/- per artisan per year.
  • Applicable only for idols actually produced and sold within the State of Goa.

Disbursement: Cheque in favour of the artisan after fund receipt from Government.
Availment: Beneficiaries must maintain sale records and provide proof of production and sale as prescribed.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a traditional clay idol maker or artisan from the State of Goa.
  • The applicant must be registered with GHRSSIDC as a clay idol manufacturer.
  • The applicant must personally manufacture idols within Goa; imported or traded idols are not eligible.
  • The applicant must have a workshop or production unit within Goa for manufacturing idols such as Ganesh, Durga, Saraswati, or Mother Mary.
  • The subsidy is applicable only for idols used for religious purposes (e.g., Ganesh Chaturthi, Christmas) and not for decorative items.
  • The applicant must maintain records of idols produced and sold, including size, price, buyer details, and sale date.
  • The applicant must comply with physical inspection by GHRSSIDC officials.

Exclusions

  • Unsold idols are not eligible for subsidy.
  • Idols used for decorative items are not eligible for subsidy.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

4.9
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 5.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 7.0/10 Challenging
Financial impact 4.0/10 Moderate
Literacy barrier 4.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 5.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 4.5/10 Moderate
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility5.0
  • Financial impact4.0
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness4.5
  • Simplicity3.0
  • Inclusivity5.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme provides essential financial support to traditional clay idol makers in Goa, promoting cultural heritage and livelihood sustainability.

Key challenges addressed

  • Revival of traditional clay idol making
  • Financial support for local artisans

Most beneficial for

  • Registered clay idol makers in Goa
  • Local artisans preserving cultural practices

Likely challenges

  • Requirement for physical inspection
  • Need for proper documentation and record-keeping

Practical insights for citizens

The requirement for maintaining detailed records may be challenging for some artisans.

Rural challenges

  • Access to GHRSSIDC office for application submission
  • Need for physical inspection may deter some applicants

Digital challenges

  • Limited online resources for application guidance

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Physical verification process may delay approvals

Awareness challenges

  • Low awareness among potential beneficiaries about the scheme

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline office
Documents burden
Moderate, requires mandatory documents
Verification complexity
Moderate, involves physical inspection
Office dependency
High, requires submission to GHRSSIDC
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate, requires effort in record-keeping and application submission

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Moderate
  • Occupation reach Artisans

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Cash
Benefit frequency
Annual, based on production
Benefit practicality
Practical for registered artisans producing clay idols
Financial meaningfulness
Moderate, as the subsidy can significantly aid artisans but is limited to ₹15,000 annually
Long-term impact
Positive, as it encourages the preservation of traditional crafts

Plain-language guidance

This scheme helps clay idol makers in Goa by providing a subsidy for each idol they produce. Artisans must be registered and produce idols within Goa to qualify.

Who should apply
Registered clay idol makers in Goa looking for financial support.
Who may struggle
Artisans who are not familiar with record-keeping or those without access to GHRSSIDC.
Best application route
Apply directly at the GHRSSIDC office in Goa.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form. Alternatively, the applicant may obtain the prescribed format from GHRSSIDC, Craft Complex, Neugi Nagar, Panaji, North Goa, Goa - 403 001, upon payment of ₹1/- per form.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the Managing Director, GHRSSIDC Ltd., Panaji-Goa.

Post-Application Processes

Step 1: GHRSSIDC officials will physically inspect the applicant’s workshop to verify production capacity and conduct a physical count of clay idols in the artisan’s presence.
Step 2:**** An Appraisal Committee consisting of the Chairman, Managing Director, a nominated Director, and a Government representative will review applications for approval on a first come, first served basis.

Benefit Disbursement
  • Upon approval, subsidy payment is issued via cheque in favour of the registered artisan after receiving funds from the Government.
  • Beneficiaries must maintain sales records and submit the utilisation certificate for subsequent releases.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

Can a person who imports or trades clay idols from outside Goa apply for the subsidy benefit?

Only those idols actually produced within Goa by registered local artisans are eligible. Imported or traded idols are completely excluded from subsidy coverage.

If an artisan creates idols for decoration rather than for religious use, can those idols get subsidised?

No. The scheme strictly covers only clay idols made for religious festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Christmas. Decorative or aesthetic idols are not eligible.

Is it mandatory for an artisan to be officially registered before applying for the subsidy?

Yes. The artisan must be registered with the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC) to qualify.

Does the artisan need to have a dedicated workspace or unit to make idols for the subsidy?

Yes. The applicant must possess his or her own workshop or production unit located within Goa to be eligible under the scheme.

How much monetary assistance can a registered artisan receive through this subsidy each year?

Each eligible artisan can receive up to ₹15,000/- as total annual subsidy, subject to the number of idols produced and sold.

What is the per-idol subsidy amount provided to the eligible artisan?

A subsidy of ₹100/- per clay idol of at least 1-foot height is granted to registered artisans.

Are unsold idols eligible for financial support under this scheme?

No. The subsidy is applicable only for idols that have been actually sold. Unsold idols are not covered.

How are subsidy payments made to the artisans once their applications are approved?

The approved subsidy amount is paid by cheque drawn in favour of the registered artisan after receipt of funds from the Government.

What kind of records must artisans maintain to claim and continue receiving subsidy benefits?

Applicants must maintain detailed records of idols produced and sold, including size, rate, buyer’s name, address, and sale date in the prescribed proforma.

What happens if an artisan provides false information in the subsidy application or sales record?

Any applicant found submitting incorrect or false information will have their subsidy claim rejected and be rendered ineligible for further benefits.

Is there a limit on the number of idols for which subsidy can be claimed each year?

Yes. An artisan can claim a subsidy for a maximum of 150 idols per year under the scheme.

Are there any inspections conducted before approving the subsidy claim?

Yes. Officials of GHRSSIDC visit the artisan’s workshop to verify production capacity and conduct a physical count of clay idols in the artisan’s presence.

How are applications evaluated once they are received by GHRSSIDC?

All applications are scrutinised by an Appraisal Committee comprising the Chairman, Managing Director, one nominated Director of GHRSSIDC, and a Government representative.

If the budget allocation is limited, how are eligible artisans prioritised for receiving subsidy?

The subsidy is sanctioned on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the availability of funds under the scheme.

References

Guidelines
https://goaprintingpress.gov.in/downloads/0809/0809-17-SI-OG.pdf

Apply

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Social welfare & Empowerment, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Eligibility for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Benefits under Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme is managed by Commercial Taxes Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Applications for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme available in all states?
No, Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme is primarily available for eligible residents of Goa and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
Can residents outside Goa apply for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Eligibility for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme is generally limited to residents of Goa unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
Does Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme provide business loan or startup assistance?
Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme may support entrepreneurs, startups, self-employed individuals, MSMEs, or small businesses through financial assistance, subsidies, credit support, or training initiatives.
Is collateral required under Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Collateral requirements may vary depending on the loan amount, implementing agency, financial institution, and government subsidy structure.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme in Goa?
Users in Goa may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.