PEHCHAN scheme to provide new identity to handicraft artisans

On: 02 AUG 2023 – PEHCHAN scheme was launched in 2016 to provide new identity to handicraft artisans so that the benefits of various schemes are provided to the deserving artisans. Aadhar linked Pehchan Cards are issued after due verification by field functionaries of Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles. Pehchan card holders can avail the benefits of all the handicrafts schemes implemented by Ministry of Textiles.

31.14 lakhs handicraft artisans across the country have been registered under PEHCHAN as on 30.06.2023. The state-wise data of handicraft artisans is given below.

Registered artisans with Pehchan card can avail the benefits of the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) of Ministry of Textiles.

The details of financial benefits /assistance provided to registered handicraft artisan under the schemes are as under:

1. Skill & Training upgradation, design development workshops, tool kit distributions, marketing platforms, infrastructural support.
2. Individual benefits to artisans like Mudra loan, Interest Subvention and Margin Money on Mudra loan.
3. Shilp Guru and National Awards to master artisans.
4. Monthly pension of Rs. 8,000 to awardee artisans under indigent circumstances.

Total 1.17 lakhs artisans benefitted through various scheme of the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) during the year 2022-23.

Handicraft Artisans registered under “Pehchan Card Scheme”

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Textiles, Smt. Darshana Jardosh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

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