Launched by: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
Implementing Agency: Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Scheme Category: Recognition & Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme
State/UT: All India
Application Mode: Online and Offline
Subsidy Type: Direct Financial Award (Grant)
🏛️ About the Scheme
The Handicraft Awards Scheme recognizes outstanding craftspersons across India for their lifelong contribution to the preservation and development of Indian handicrafts.
It promotes the continuation of traditional crafts, skill transmission to younger generations, and innovation in craft design.
Two key categories of awards are conferred:
- Shilp Guru Award – the highest honour in the handicraft sector (max 5 awards annually).
- National Award – up to 33 craftspersons recognized every year for excellence and innovation, including special categories for women, endangered crafts, and design innovation
💰 Payout & Benefits
| Award Type | Reward | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Shilp Guru Award | ₹3.50 lakh | 20g Gold Coin (22 Carat), Shawl, Certificate, Tamrapatra |
| National Award | ₹2.00 lakh | Shawl, Certificate, Tamrapatra |
| Design Innovation Award | ₹3.00 lakh (shared equally between designer & artisan) | Shawl, Certificate, Tamrapatra |
All payments are made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the artisan’s registered bank account.
👥 For Whom Is the Scheme
- Master craftspersons with at least 10–20 years of experience.
- Registered artisans under the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
- Groups of artisans and designers (for Design Innovation Awards).
- Citizens of India engaged in handicraft production.
🚫 Who Cannot Apply
- Non-citizens or residents outside India.
- Artisans without verifiable craft experience or recognition.
- Individuals already conferred with the same lifetime award (Shilp Guru/National Award).
- Artisans not registered under DC Handicrafts or without a valid Artisan ID.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen of India residing within the country.
- For Shilp Guru Award:
- Minimum 50 years of age.
- Minimum 20 years of experience in the craft.
- Must be a National or State Awardee of exceptional repute or have made an immense contribution to the sector.
- For National Award:
- Minimum 30 years of age.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in the craft.
- For Design Innovation Award:
- Group of designer and artisan (both citizens of India, age 30+).
🧾 Documents Required
Typical documents include:
- Aadhaar card / identity proof.
- Land ownership / lease certificate.
- Bank account details (for DBT).
- Proof of registration with State Sericulture Department.
- Project proposal or application form countersigned by the department.
- Photographs and geo-tagging details of plantation or unit.
- Utilization certificate and physical progress report for next instalments
Online
- Visit the official website: www.handicrafts.nic.in
- Look for the Awards Section → Shilp Guru / National Award Application.
- Fill the online form with all required details.
- Upload documents and craft photographs.
- Submit the application before the announced deadline
Offline
- Collect the application form from the Regional or State Handicrafts Office.
- Fill in details, attach photographs and documents.
- Submit to the Regional Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) office.
- The entries are forwarded for 3-tier evaluation — district, regional, and central selection committees
Benefits Under the Scheme
- Financial assistance for plantation development, rearing houses, irrigation, reeling / spinning / twisting units.
- Training on modern rearing and weaving techniques.
- Supply of disease-free layings (DFLs) and quality silkworm seed.
- Subsidy for machinery and equipment under post-cocoon sector.
- Support for marketing and export promotion initiatives.
💰 Payout & Benefits
| Award Type | Reward | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Shilp Guru Award | ₹3.50 lakh | 20g Gold Coin (22 Carat), Shawl, Certificate, Tamrapatra |
| National Award | ₹2.00 lakh | Shawl, Certificate, Tamrapatra |
| Design Innovation Award | ₹3.00 lakh (shared equally between designer & artisan) | Shawl, Certificate, Tamrapatra |
All payments are made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the artisan’s registered bank account.
Contact & Helpline – Handicraft Awards Scheme
🏢 Nodal Ministry
Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
Implementing Agency: Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Address:
Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
West Block No. 7, R.K. Puram, Sector-1
New Delhi – 110066, India
📞 Helpline Numbers
- General Helpline: +91-11-2301 2365
- Alternate Contact: +91-11-2301 3490
- Fax: +91-11-2301 3890
📧 Email Contacts
- Scheme-related Queries: handicraft-awards@handicrafts.nic.in
- Technical Support / Status Check: support-award@handicrafts.nic.in
- General Queries: dchandicrafts@nic.in
🌐 Official Websites
- Ministry of Textiles: https://textiles.gov.in
- Handicrafts Awards Portal: https://handicrafts.nic.in
- Online Application & Status Check: https://awards.handicrafts.nic.in
Regional Offices (for Offline Submission & Support)
Artisans can contact their nearest Regional Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) for assistance in filing applications, submitting portfolios, or resolving application issues.
| Region | Office Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Region | Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhawan, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi – 110001 | 011-2336 3552 |
| Eastern Region | DC (Handicrafts) Office, 4th Floor, CGO Complex, Kolkata – 700040 | 033-2475 4726 |
| Southern Region | Handicrafts Service Centre, 2nd Floor, Shastri Bhawan Annexe, Chennai – 600006 | 044-2827 2724 |
| Western Region | Handicrafts Marketing & Service Extension Centre, Mumbai – 400020 | 022-2281 1789 |
| North-Eastern Region | House No. 27, Bye Lane 3, Rukminigaon, Guwahati – 781022 | 0361-233 6173 |
💬 Social Media Handles
- 🐦 Twitter: @TexMinIndia
- 📘 Facebook: @HandicraftsOfIndia
- 📸 Instagram: @handicraftsofindia_official
- ▶️ YouTube: Handicrafts of India Channel
🕒 Office Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Government Holidays.
FAQs – Handicraft Awards Scheme (Shilp Guru & National Awards)
🟣 Q1. What is the Handicraft Awards Scheme?
The Handicraft Awards Scheme, implemented by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, recognizes exceptional artisans for their contribution to preserving and promoting India’s rich handicraft heritage. It includes Shilp Guru Awards (for lifetime excellence) and National Awards (for outstanding craftsmanship and innovation).
🟣 Q2. What is the difference between Shilp Guru and National Award?
- Shilp Guru Award is the highest honour in the Indian handicraft sector, awarded to veteran artisans (50+ years of age, 20+ years of experience).
- National Award is given to master craftspersons (30+ years of age, 10+ years of experience) for excellence and innovation in craft.
🟣 Q3. Who can apply for these awards?
Any Indian artisan working in the handicraft sector with proven excellence in craftsmanship, registered under the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), can apply. Women artisans, SC/ST, and artisans engaged in endangered crafts are given preference.
🟣 Q4. Who cannot apply?
- Non-citizens or foreign nationals.
- Artisans without registration under DC (Handicrafts).
- Artisans already awarded Shilp Guru / National Award earlier.
- Those with less than the required years of experience.
🟣 Q5. How can I apply for the award?
You can apply both online and offline:
Online: Visit www.handicrafts.nic.in – → “Awards Section” → “Check Status.”
Enter your application number or registered mobile number to see progress and result updates.
🟣 Q12. How will I be notified if I am selected?
Selected artisans receive a formal communication by email, SMS, and post from the Office of DC (Handicrafts). The final list is also published on the official website and in major national newspapers.
🟣 Q13. What happens after selection?
Awardees are invited to a national felicitation ceremony, where they receive the award from the Hon’ble President or Minister of Textiles. They may also be invited to craft exhibitions, training programs, and international fairs.
🟣 Q14. Can groups or organizations apply?
Yes. Under the Design Innovation category, a designer-artisan duo or registered artisan group can jointly apply, provided both are citizens of India and actively engaged in craft development.
🟣 Q15. Can artisans reapply if not selected?
Yes. Non-selected applicants can reapply in subsequent years with updated portfolios, provided they continue to meet eligibility criteria.
🟣 Q16. How can I follow up or escalate my application issue?
If your application is delayed or status not updated:
Contact your Regional Handicrafts Office.
Email: handicraft-awards@handicrafts.nic.in – or support-award@handicrafts.nic.in
Write to:
Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Ministry of Textiles, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi – 110011.
Helpline: 011-2301 2365 / 2301 3490
Q17. Is the scheme available in all States and UTs?
Yes. The Handicraft Awards Scheme covers all States and Union Territories of India and includes all crafts recognized by the Office of DC (Handicrafts).
🟣 Q18. What is the processing time for the award?
Processing time typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the evaluation cycle and committee schedule.
🟣 Q19. Are there age limits for the awards?
Yes.
- Shilp Guru Award: Minimum 50 years
- National Award: Minimum 30 years
- Design Innovation Award: Minimum 30 years (for both participants)
🟣 Q20. Where can I get updates about the next award cycle?
Updates, circulars, and press releases are available on:
🌐 www.handicrafts.nic.in
📱 Twitter: @TexMinIndia
📘 Facebook: @HandicraftsOfIndia