Bima Yojana for Handicrafts Artisans

Launched by: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
Implementing Agency: Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Scheme Category: Social Security / Insurance
State / UT: All India
Beneficiary Type: Registered Handicrafts Artisans
Subsidy Type: Premium Support (Life & Accident Insurance)
Application Mode: Online & Offline

🏛️ About the Scheme

The Bima Yojana for Handicrafts Artisans is a social security initiative providing life and accidental insurance coverage to handicraft artisans across India.
The scheme converges three major insurance components:

1. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
2. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
3. Converged Modified Aam Admi Bima Yojana (CAABY)

These cover different age groups and ensure continuous insurance protection through shared premium funding by the Government of India, State Governments, and the artisans themselves

🎯 Objectives

• To provide financial protection to artisans’ families in the event of death or disability.
• To ensure social security inclusion for self-employed craftspersons.
• To integrate artisans into national insurance networks through direct benefit transfer (DBT).
• To create awareness of social protection schemes among artisans and craft clusters.

🏁 Scheme Summary

👥 For Whom is the Scheme

• All registered handicraft artisans with a valid Artisan Identity Card (Pehchan Card) issued by the Office of DC (Handicrafts).
• Applicable for age groups 18–59 years, with sub-categories for each scheme.
• Includes women artisans, SC/ST, and differently-abled artisans under priority coverage.

🚫 Who Cannot Apply

• Individuals without a valid Artisan Card.
• Unregistered craft workers or traders not directly involved in production.
• Applicants below 18 years or above 59 years of age.
• Those already covered under the same policy by other occupational schemes.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a citizen of India residing within the country.
• Must have a valid Artisan ID (Pehchan Card) under DC (Handicrafts).
• Must have an active bank account (for DBT).
• Must fall within the prescribed age category:
  • PMJJBY: 18–50 years
  • PMSBY: 18–50 years
  • CAABY: 51–59 years (for previously enrolled artisans only)

📅 Application Window

• Open year-round, with yearly renewals.
• Policy term: One year (renewable annually).
• Premium to be paid before May 31st each year for continued coverage.

🧾 Documents Required

1. Copy of Artisan Identity Card (Pehchan Card).
2. Aadhaar Card or valid photo ID proof.
3. Age proof (Birth Certificate / Voter ID).
4. Bank Account details (for DBT).
5. Passport-size photograph.
6. Duly filled application form (available online or at Handicrafts Service Centres).
7. Declaration form from applicant and nominee.

Online

• Visit https://handicrafts.nic.in
• Click on Insurance Schemes for Artisans (Bima Yojana).
• Select the applicable scheme (PMJJBY / PMSBY / CAABY).
• Fill in the online enrollment form and upload required documents.
• Submit application; the system generates an enrollment ID.
• Premium share can be paid via online banking or through the State Nodal Agency.

Offline

• Collect and fill the application form from the nearest Handicrafts Service Centre (HSC) or State Handicrafts Office.
• Attach required documents and submit to the Nodal Agency / Bank branch.
• Deposit your share of premium.
• The Nodal Agency forwards the list of beneficiaries to the concerned bank / LIC.
• Certificate of Insurance is issued after processing

💎 Benefits in Detail

• Life coverage to artisans and their families ensuring financial stability.
• Accidental coverage for injury or disability.
• Death claim directly credited via DBT without intermediaries.
• Nominee protection ensuring claim transfer to legal heirs.
• Awareness camps for artisans through WSC and State Handicrafts Departments.
• Simplified claim process through local nodal agencies, banks, and LIC.
• Premium subsidy from Government ensures low-cost insurance for poor artisans.
• Annual renewal system allows continued protection year after year.
• Doorstep enrollment through mobile camps and yarn depot coordination

💰 Payout / Benefits

Payouts are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the beneficiary’s or nominee’s bank account

📊 Status Check

• Go to https://handicrafts.nic.in
• Click Insurance Scheme → Beneficiary List / Status.
• Enter Artisan ID or Application Reference Number.
• Claimants can track claim settlement and DBT payment status online or through regional offices.

🗂️ Follow-up & Escalation

If claim or application is delayed:

1. Contact the Regional Handicrafts Office / WSC.
2. Email: insurance-handicrafts@handicrafts.nic.in
3. Write to: Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
4. Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
5. West Block No. 7, R.K. Puram, Sector 1, New Delhi – 110066.
6. Helpline: 011-2301 2365 / 2301 3490

☎️ Contact

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
Implementing Agency: Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Address: West Block No. 7, R.K. Puram, Sector 1, New Delhi – 110066
📞 Phone: +91-11-2301 2365 / 2301 3490
📧 Email: insurance-handicrafts@handicrafts.nic.in / dchandicrafts@nic.in / 🌐 Website: https://handicrafts.nic.in

💬 FAQs

Q1. Is the scheme only for registered artisans?
Yes. Only artisans with a valid Pehchan Card can apply.

Q2. Can an artisan be covered under both PMJJBY and PMSBY?
Yes, both schemes are complementary and can be availed together.

Q3. What if the artisan fails to renew the policy?
The coverage will lapse automatically but can be renewed within the next policy cycle.

Q4. Is the premium refundable if I exit the scheme?
No. Once the premium is deposited, it is non-refundable.

Q5. How long does claim settlement take?
Usually within 15–30 days after submission of complete documents.

Q6. Who is eligible as a nominee?
Spouse, dependent children, or legal heir as declared during registration.

Q7. Where can I check claim status?
Through the official portal or by contacting the local bank / LIC branch associated with the policy.