IATS

Infrastructure and Technology Support

6.9/10

The sub-scheme “Infrastructure and Technology Support” aims to develop world-class infrastructure in the country to support handicraft production, enhance product quality, and reduce costs to enable it to compete in the global market.

Central In Kind

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Textiles

Scheme for: Infra

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): Yes

Scheme open date: 2025-01-30

Categories: Transport & Infrastructure

Sub-categories: Infrastructure

Target beneficiaries: Industries

Tags: Infrastructure, Technology Support, Handicraft, Marketing And Sourcing Hub

Details

The sub-scheme “Infrastructure and Technology Support” under the "National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)" scheme, aims to develop world-class infrastructure in the country to support handicraft production, enhance product quality, and reduce costs to enable it to compete in the global market. For the development of the handicrafts sector and the benefit of handicrafts artisans, various components like Urban Haat, Emporia, Marketing and Sourcing Hub, Handicraft Museum, Craft-Based Resource Centre, Common Facility Centre, Raw Material Depot, Crafts Village etc.
The objective of this component is to set up a permanent marketing infrastructure in towns/ metropolitan cities to provide direct marketing facilities to the handicrafts artisans/handloom weavers.

Benefits

  • Financial assistance and funding pattern: 
  • The financial ceiling for urban haat is maximum INR 800 lakh for each unit for 80 stalls 40% of the admissible amount shall be borne by the O/o the DC(H) and DC(Hl) each and 20% will be contributed by the state implementing agency
  • Land will be provided by state govt and will be over and above the 20 % contribution by the implementing agency. 
  • In case of NER, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh – 45 % of the admissible amount will be borne by the O/o the DC (HC) and DC (HL) each and 10% shall be contributed by the implementing agency
  • Assistance will also be given for strengthening/renovation of existing Urban Haats subject to a maximum financial limit of INR 250 lakhs (90% assistance will be borne by the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) & DC(Hl)and 10% by state. Note: The financial assistance will be based on the number of stalls, land area & other deliverables in proportionate manner. The PAMC shall comprise DC (HC), ADC (HC), ADC(HL), representative of IFW and representative of State Implementing agency

Financial assistance and funding pattern:** 

  • The financial ceiling for urban haat is maximum INR 800 lakh for each unit for 80 stalls.
  • 40% of the admissible amount shall be borne by the O/o the DC(H) and DC(Hl) each and 20% will be contributed by the state implementing agency.
  • Land will be provided by state govt and will be over and above the 20 % contribution by the implementing agency. 
  • In case of NER, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh – 45 % of the admissible amount will be borne by the O/o the DC (HC) and DC (HL) each and 10% shall be contributed by the implementing agency.
  • Assistance will also be given for strengthening/renovation of existing Urban Haats subject to a maximum financial limit of INR 250 lakhs (90% assistance will be borne by the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) & DC(Hl)and 10% by state.

Note:

The financial assistance will be based on the number of stalls, land area & other deliverables in proportionate manner. The PAMC shall comprise DC (HC), ADC (HC), ADC(HL), representative of IFW and representative of State Implementing agency.

Eligibility

  • Eligible Local statutory bodies, Apex Cooperative Societies, and National level Apex Societies (registered under the Society Act/Trust Act, etc.) 
  • Producer Company supported by O/O DC Handicrafts.
  • Only implementing agencies with a minimum audited annual turnover of Rs. 1.5 Cr in the last three consecutive years will be eligible for implementation of infrastructure projects. However, this provision shall not be applied in the case of Central/State or state government agencies as an Implementing Agency (IA).

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.

6.9
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 6.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 5.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 3.0/10 Good
Financial impact 9.5/10 Good
Literacy barrier 5.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 7.0/10 Good
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility6.0
  • Financial impact9.5
  • Rural utility5.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity7.0
  • Inclusivity7.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme aims to enhance infrastructure for handicraft production, benefiting artisans and improving competitiveness.

Key challenges addressed

  • Lack of infrastructure for handicraft production
  • High production costs
  • Limited market access for artisans

Most beneficial for

  • Local statutory bodies
  • Apex Cooperative Societies
  • National level Apex Societies

Likely challenges

  • Complex eligibility criteria
  • High financial turnover requirements for applicants
  • Limited awareness among potential beneficiaries

Practical insights for citizens

Implementation may be challenging due to bureaucratic processes and documentation requirements

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to online application processes
  • Potential lack of awareness about the scheme

Digital challenges

  • High digital dependency may exclude non-digital users
  • Need for internet access to apply

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Complex eligibility criteria may deter applicants
  • High financial turnover requirement for agencies

Awareness challenges

  • Low awareness among rural artisans about the scheme

Application analysis

Application mode
Online For the Implementing Agencies
Documents burden
Moderate, requires several key documents
Verification complexity
Moderate, involves multiple stakeholders
Office dependency
High, requires interaction with Handicrafts Service Centre
DBT dependency
No direct DBT dependency
CSC support
Limited, primarily online
Estimated citizen effort
High, due to documentation and online submission

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Inclusive
  • Occupation reach Artisans, Handloom weavers

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
In Kind
Benefit frequency
One-time funding for infrastructure projects
Benefit practicality
High, as it directly supports infrastructure development
Financial meaningfulness
High, with significant funding potential for projects
Long-term impact
Positive, as it aims to enhance competitiveness in the handicraft sector

Plain-language guidance

This scheme helps improve infrastructure for handicraft production, making it easier for artisans to compete globally. Eligible organizations can apply for financial assistance to set up facilities.

Who should apply
Local statutory bodies, cooperative societies, and producer companies in the handicraft sector.
Who may struggle
Small organizations without the required financial turnover or digital access.
Best application route
Apply online through the official website or at the nearest Handicrafts Service Centre.

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

Online

For the Implementing Agencies:

  • The proposals must be submitted through the official website.
    NOTE 1: The proposal sent earlier without any invitation or received after the timeline/last date mentioned above will not be entertained.
    NOTE 2: Incomplete proposals without the mandatory enclosures and proposals that are not clearly recommended and received after the due date will not be considered.

Clarifications

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

What is the Infrastructure and Technology Support scheme?

It is a sub-scheme under the NHDP that aims to build world-class infrastructure to support handicraft production, improve product quality, reduce costs, and enhance global competitiveness for Indian artisans.

What are the main components supported under this scheme?

The scheme supports the creation of: - Urban Haats - Craft-Based Resource Centres - Raw Material Depots - Common Facility Centres - Emporia - Marketing and Sourcing Hubs - Craft Villages - Handicraft Museums

Who is eligible to apply?

The following agencies are eligible: - Local statutory bodies - Apex Cooperative Societies - National-level Apex Societies registered under the Societies/Trust Act - Producer companies supported by the Office of DC (Handicrafts) - Implementing agencies with a minimum annual audited turnover of ₹1.5 Cr in the last 3 years (not applicable to central/state government agencies)

What is the financial assistance pattern under this scheme?
  1. For Urban Haats: ₹800 lakh max per unit (for 80 stalls) 1. Cost sharing: - 40% by DC (Handicrafts), 40% by DC (Handlooms), 20% by state agency - In NER, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh: 45% each by DC (HC) and DC (HL), 10% by state agency - Land to be provided by the state government (not part of the 20% share)
What is the assistance available for renovation of existing Urban Haats?

Up to ₹250 lakh, with: - 90% borne by DC (HC) and DC (HL) - 10% by the state government or implementing agency

What is the application process?

Applications must be submitted online and in hard copy: - In the prescribed proforma - Along with self-attested documents - To the nearest Handicrafts Service Centre (HSC) within the deadline

What documents are required for fresh proposals?

Some of the key documents include: - Detailed Project Report (DPR) - Valid registration certificate and MoA - Last 3 years' audited balance sheets - Affidavit of non-corrupt practices - Land ownership/lease documents - Architect-certified construction plan - Feasibility report from a scheduled bank - Third-party equipment assessment report - Undertaking of cost balance coverage by the applicant agency

What are the documents required for reimbursement proposals?
  • Monthly/achievement performance reports with photos - Utilization certificate (GFR 12A) - Audited expenditure statement - Inspection report by AD, HSC - Verification of expenses and payment modes
What self-certifications are needed?

Applicants must declare: - No duplication or financial aid from other sources - Understanding of scheme guidelines - Possession of necessary infrastructure - No blacklisting or corrupt practices - No pending Utilization Certificates with DC (Handicrafts)

Who approves the project proposals and financial aid?

The Project Approval and Monitoring Committee (PAMC) evaluates and approves proposals. It includes: - DC (Handicrafts) - ADC (Handicrafts) - ADC (Handlooms) - IFW representative - Representative of the concerned State Implementing Agency

References

Guideline
https://handicrafts.nic.in/pdf/scheme.pdf
Notification
https://handicrafts.nic.in/CmsUpload/063820251038251_2_merged.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Apply

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Infrastructure and Technology Support?
Infrastructure and Technology Support is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, Industries through benefits related to Transport & Infrastructure, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Infrastructure and Technology Support?
Eligibility for Infrastructure and Technology Support 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 Infrastructure and Technology Support?
Benefits under Infrastructure and Technology Support 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 Infrastructure and Technology Support?
Infrastructure and Technology Support is managed by Ministry Of Textiles and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Infrastructure and Technology Support?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Infrastructure and Technology Support through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Infrastructure and Technology Support?
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 Infrastructure and Technology Support?
Applications for Infrastructure and Technology Support 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 Infrastructure and Technology Support?
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 Infrastructure and Technology Support a central government scheme?
Yes, Infrastructure and Technology Support is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Infrastructure and Technology Support?
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 Infrastructure and Technology Support?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Are there deadlines for applying to Infrastructure and Technology Support?
Some schemes may operate through fixed application windows, annual registration cycles, or department-specific deadlines depending on scheme implementation policies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Infrastructure and Technology Support?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Infrastructure and Technology Support in All India?
Users in All India 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 Infrastructure and Technology Support 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.