Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans (ASHA)
The Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans (ASHA) provides financial grants to artisans in Kerala for establishing handicraft enterprises.
Key facts
| Grant | Up to ₹2,00,000 (general) and up to ₹3,00,000 (young, women, SC/ST artisans) |
|---|---|
| For | Setting up a handicraft enterprise |
| Who | Recognised artisans aged 18–45, resident in Kerala |
| Recognition | Classified as an artisan by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) or a related authority |
| Need | Udyam Registration and a project report |
| Apply | Online via the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Kerala |
| Application window | Apply when you are ready to set up your handicraft enterprise, with your project report and Udyam Registration in hand. |
Benefits
Eligible artisans receive a one-time grant of up to ₹2 lakh for general category and ₹3 lakh for young, women, and SC/ST artisans to support their handicraft enterprises.
Full guide
What the scheme gives you
Kerala’s Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans (ASHA) brings financial support for artisans under a single scheme, to help them set up their own handicraft enterprise. It gives a one-time grant of up to ₹2,00,000 for general-category artisans, and up to ₹3,00,000 for young, women and SC/ST artisans. The higher slab recognises that these groups often need more support to start out.
Who can apply
The scheme is for genuine, recognised handicraft artisans in Kerala. You are eligible if:
- You are aged between 18 and 45 and resident in Kerala
- You are recognised as an artisan by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) or a related authority
- You are setting up a handicraft enterprise (with a project report and Udyam Registration)
- You are not an income-tax payer and your family has no government employee
How to apply
Apply online through the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Kerala. Select the Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans, register or log in, and complete the application with your project report, Udyam Registration and the required documents. A clear, costed project report is what the grant is assessed against, so prepare it carefully.
Documents you need
- Identity proof, a passport-size photo and age proof
- Artisan recognition / classification
- Udyam Registration for the enterprise
- A project report
- Caste certificate (if applicable) and bank account details
Who can apply
- Age 18–45
- For: artisan
- Category: SC, ST, GEN, OBC
- Resident of Kerala
- not income tax payer
- no government employee in family
- poor household
Applicants must be aged between 18 and 45, belong to specific caste categories (SC, ST, GEN, OBC), and reside in Kerala. They should not be income tax payers or have government employees in their family, and must be classified as artisans by relevant authorities.
Who is not eligible
- People who are not recognised as artisans by the competent authority
- Applicants outside the 18–45 age range, or not resident in Kerala
- Income-tax payers, or families that include a government employee
How to apply
Applications can be submitted online through the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Government of Kerala's official website.
- Visit the official website of the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Government of Kerala.
- Select the 'Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans' from the online services.
- Click on 'Apply Now' to be redirected to the login page.
- Register as a new user or log in if already registered.
- Fill out the application form and submit it.
Documents required
- Self-attested copy of the identity card of the applicant.
- Passport size photo
- Proof of age, if applicable
- Self-attested copy of the resolution towards applying for this assistance in case of a unit other than proprietary.
- Self-attested copy of Udyam Registration of the unit.
- Copy of Caste Certificate (Attested by Gazetted Officer) in case of SC/ST artisans.
- Self-attested copy of Project Report
- Bank account details
Common problems and how to fix them
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Not sure if you count as an artisan | You must be recognised as an artisan by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) or a related organisation. Get that recognition before applying. |
| No Udyam Registration | Udyam Registration and a project report are part of the application. Complete the Udyam Registration for your enterprise first. |
| Which grant amount applies | General-category artisans get up to ₹2 lakh; young, women and SC/ST artisans get up to ₹3 lakh. The exact amount depends on your project. |
| Where to apply | Apply on the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Kerala website — this is a state scheme, not on a national portal. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the aim of the scheme?
The scheme aims to consolidate financial assistance for artisans in the handicrafts sector under a single initiative.
Who is considered an artisan under this scheme?
An artisan is defined as an individual recognized by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) or related organizations who is actively setting up a handicraft enterprise.
What types of documents are required for application?
Applicants need to provide identity proof, a passport-sized photo, proof of age, Udyam Registration, a caste certificate (if applicable), a project report, and bank account details.
Is there any income limit for eligibility?
Yes, applicants must not be income tax payers and should come from poor households to qualify for the scheme.
What is the maximum grant amount available?
The maximum grant is ₹2 lakh for general category artisans and ₹3 lakh for young, women, and SC/ST artisans.
How much grant is available?
Up to ₹2 lakh for general-category artisans, and up to ₹3 lakh for young, women and SC/ST artisans.
Who is eligible?
Recognised handicraft artisans aged 18–45, resident in Kerala, who are not income-tax payers.
What is the grant for?
Setting up a handicraft enterprise.
What documents are needed?
Identity and age proof, Udyam Registration, a project report, caste certificate (if applicable) and bank details.
Where do I apply?
Online through the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Government of Kerala.
Key terms explained
- SC / ST / OBC
- Official social categories — Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes — used for reservations and targeted welfare schemes.
Always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.
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