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NHDP-R&DS

National Handicrafts Development Programme: Research & Development Scheme

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National Handicrafts Development Programme: Research & Development Scheme

The “National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP): Research & Development Scheme” is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, aimed at enhancing the handicraft sector. This scheme focuses on collecting valuable insights regarding the economic, social, aesthetic, and promotional dimensions of various crafts and artisans. Through comprehensive surveys and studies, it intends to provide essential input for effective planning and development in the handicrafts domain.

Overview of the Scheme

The “Research & Development Scheme” is an integral part of the NHDP, designed to gather feedback on numerous aspects of the handicraft industry. It encompasses a variety of activities including workshops, seminars, and conferences conducted both online and offline, aimed at updating artisans on the latest advancements in their field.

Key Features

  • Surveys and Studies:
    • Conducting surveys to document specific crafts and create a database of craft clusters, including current market trends and export opportunities.
    • Analyzing challenges related to raw materials, technology, design, and common facilities.
    • Assessing the socioeconomic conditions of artisans.
    • Market evaluation studies for both domestic and international markets.
    • Techno-economic feasibility studies and post-evaluations of various promotional projects within the handicrafts sector.
  • Financial Aid for GI Craft Registration: Support for the registration of Geographical Indication (GI) crafts, including necessary legal and certification documentation.
  • Protection of Crafts: Funding for organizations developing mechanisms to protect endangered crafts and traditional knowledge.
  • Census of Handicraft Artisans: Conducting a nationwide census and publishing the findings in a handbook or e-book format for future reference.
  • Global Standards Adoption: Helping handicraft exporters meet international standards, including branding and bar coding.
  • Workshops and Seminars: Organizing events to address specific issues within the handicrafts sector.
  • Impact Assessment Studies: Conducting evaluations of handicraft schemes.
  • Need-based Financial Assistance: Providing support to governmental departments, national institutes, and export promotion councils.

Benefits of the Scheme

Eligible organizations can receive 100% grant-in-aid financial assistance. All transactions to beneficiaries are mandated to be processed through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). The disbursement of funds occurs in two phases:

  • First Installment: 75% of the sanctioned amount is released as an advance.
  • Second Installment: 25% of the sanctioned amount is disbursed as reimbursement.

Financial Assistance Breakdown

HeadMax. Permissible Amount (in ₹ per month)
Project Leader (1)50,000
Senior Research Expert (2)35,000
Junior Research Fellow (2)25,000
Investigator [Graduate] (3)15,000
Computer Operator (1)10,000
Documentation & Videography50,000
TA/DA18,000
Miscellaneous5% of the total cost
Administrative Charges3% of total project cost

Eligibility Criteria

Grants-in-aid are available for public bodies or institutions with legal recognition, including:

  • Autonomous organizations established under specific statutes.
  • Societies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
  • Producer Companies and Section-8 Companies (Company Act, 2013).
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
  • Educational institutions and other organizations.
  • Urban and Rural Local Self-government Institutions.
  • Export Promotion Councils.
  • Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIC).
  • National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi.
  • State and Central Government Agencies.

Application Process

To apply for the scheme, follow these steps:

  1. Submit a proposal for conducting a study/survey or seminar/workshop via the NGO Portal (government agencies may use online or offline submission).
  2. A committee led by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) will review proposals based on the financial power allocated.
  3. Proposals exceeding the financial limits will be escalated for further consideration.

Required Documents

  • Certification confirming no other financial assistance has been received for the same purpose.
  • All relevant project documentation as outlined in the proposal guidelines.
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Eligibility Criteria

Grants-in-aid can be given to a public body or an institution having a distinct legal entity viz.
Institutions or Organizations setup as Autonomous Organisations, under a specific statute or as a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
Producer Companies and Section-8 Companies (Company Act, 2013).
Non-Government Organizations.
Educational and Other Institutions.
Urban and Rural Local Self-government Institutions.
Export Promotion Councils.
Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIC).
National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi.
State/Central Govt. Agencies
etc.

The applicant should certify the following in the application form:
No financial assistance has been received from any other source for the same purpose.
The provision of the scheme has been fully understood and we take responsibility for the successful completion of the project within the sanctioned project duration.
All infrastructure is available with the organization to conduct the programs as per the scheme.
There is no duplication of efforts taking Place with existing schemes of the Ministries.
No UC is pending in any scheme of the O/o DC (Handicrafts).
The organization is registered with Public Finance Management System and will adhere to the Provisions/guidelines of the Department of Expenditure from time to time, in this regard.

Benefits

The financial assistance shall be extended to eligible organizations as 100% grants in aid.
The payments to all beneficiaries/concerned must be made through PFMS only.
The disbursement of the assistance will be in two installments:

a) 1st Installment: 75% of the sanctioned amount will be released as an advance.
b) 2nd Installment: 25% of the sanctioned amount will be in the form of reimbursement.

a) Financial Assistance for Conducting Studies/Surveys:
Head: Project Leader (1); Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹ per month): 50,000/-
Head: Senior Research Expert (2); Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹ per month): 35,000/-
Head: Junior Research Fellow (2); Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹ per month): 25,000/-
Head: Investigator [Graduate] (3); Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹ per month): 15,000/-
Head: Computer Operator (1); Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹ per month): 10,000/-
Head: Documentation & Videography; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 50,000/-
Head: TA/DA; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹ per month): 18,000/-
Head: Miscellaneous; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 5% of the total cost i.e., from (1) to (7).
Head: Administrative Charges; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 3% of total project cost (1) to (8).

b) Financial Assistance for One-day Seminar/Workshop:
Head: Halls & Infrastructure; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 60,000/-
Head: Boarding & Lodging for Resource Persons (Max. 4); Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 9,000/- per head
Head: T.A. to Resource Persons; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 12,000/- per person or AC-I/Air-Fare economy class whichever is less.
Head: For International Experts; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 70,000 /- per person or economy class airfare, whichever is less.
Head: Honorarium to Resource Persons; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 4,000/- per person
Head: T.A. to participants including journey period; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 2,000/- per participant/artisan or AC-III tier fare whichever is less.
Head: DA to the participants; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 300/- per participant/artisan
Head: Documentation & Videography; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 40,000/-
Head: Hiring of Conveyance; Maximum Permissible Amount (in ₹): 50,000/-
Head: Refreshments & Tea, Lunch, etc; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 400/- per participant/artisan
Head: Publicity including banners, backdrops, pamphlets, booklet, etc; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 65,000/-
Head: Miscellaneous; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 5% of the total cost, i.e., from (1) to (10).
Head: Administrative Cost; Max. Permissible Amount (in ₹): 3% of total project cost, i.e., from (1) to (11).

Note 1: The project duration of the Survey/Study can vary from 3 months to 12 months and the duration of the Seminar/Workshop is one day.
Note 2: In special cases, the number of days and financial limit can be increased with special approval of the Competent Authority.

Application Process

Apply OnlineApply Now →Step 1: The eligible agencies should submit the proposal for conducting Study/Survey and /or Seminar/workshop, as per the prescribed proforma
, through the NGO Portal
only (Govt. agencies can submit the proposal through either online or offline mode).

Step 2: A committee under the chairmanship of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) will be formed for consideration of proposals received from NGOs, as per the delegation of financial power of the Development Commissioner of (Handicrafts). The proposals of govt. agencies will be considered on a first come first basis and the availability of funds.

Step 3: The proposals having financial implications more than the financial power of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) will be brought before the Project Approval and Monitoring Committee (PAMC), chaired by the Secretary (Textiles), including a representative from IFW, Ministry of Textiles.

Scheme Details

Full NameNational Handicrafts Development Programme: Research & Development Scheme
Short TitleNHDP-R&DS
LevelCentral
Scheme ForInfra
MinistryMinistry Of Textiles
CategoriesSkills & Employment, Sports & Culture
StatesAll India
GenderAll
Age RangeAny — 4 years
AreaBoth
Sourcewww.myscheme.gov.in ↗
📅 Published: 21 Feb 2026 🔄 Updated: 22 Feb 2026

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