Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans (ASHA)

Key facts

Benefit	One-time grant of ₹2 lakh
Who	Artisans aged 18-45 in Kerala
How paid	One-time payment
Implemented by	Industries & Commerce Department, Kerala
Official portal	industries.kerala.gov.in
Application window	Open all year for eligible artisans in Kerala.

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.

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.

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.

Apply on the official website ↗

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
Application not submitted	Ensure all required fields in the application form are filled out completely before submitting.
Registration issues	If facing issues with registration, check the details entered for accuracy and ensure the email is accessible for verification.

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.

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.