Skill Development Training

Skill Development Training gives specialized vocational instruction in footwear and leather goods manufacturing to help artisans in Karnataka improve their craft, raise their income, and modernize their traditional practices through structured government support.

Skill Development Training is a dedicated scheme run by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka, made for local artisans who want to learn modern techniques for manufacturing footwear and quality leather goods. It connects traditional skills with current market needs so that artisans can grow their work and improve their livelihood.

The program focuses on practical education and gives a complete learning experience over a 60-day period. The government invests a total unit cost of ₹10,50,000 per training program to make sure every artisan gets quality resources and guidance.

Applications are accepted online through the official Seva Sindhu portal of Karnataka, and the scheme remains open for eligible leather artisans from the state as of August 2026.

Skill Development Training - Key Highlights

Benefits

After finishing the training, artisans receive strong support to start or improve their independent work. The following benefits are provided to every selected candidate:

• Individual leather stitching machines and professional toolkits are given so that production capacity rises and artisans can work on their own.
• A financial stipend of ₹6,000 is paid during the training period to help cover daily needs while learning.

Eligibility

To qualify for this program, an applicant has to meet the following criteria set by the department:

• The applicant must be a leather artisan by profession.
• The applicant must belong to specific scheduled caste sub-castes such as Arundathiyar, Chammadiya, Chamar, Chambar, Chamagar, Madar, Madig, Madiga, Mini Madig, Jambavalu, Haralayya, Machigar, Mochigar, Mochi, Telugu Mochi, Kamaati Mocha, Rohidas, Dhor, Kakkayya, Kankayya, Samagara, Samagar, Aadhi Anddra, Aadhi Dravida, or Aadhi Karnataka.
• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Annual family income should be below ₹30,000 for rural residents or ₹25,000 for urban residents.
• The applicant or family members should not have received benefits from other similar schemes, apart from earlier training programs.
• No family member should be currently employed in a government or semi-government organization.

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the official Seva Sindhu Portal of Karnataka. Follow the steps given below to register and apply.

STEP 1 - Visit the official Seva Sindhu portal and select the option for new users to register.

STEP 2 - Enter the Aadhaar number and the captcha code shown on the screen.

STEP 3 - Validate identity using the OTP sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

STEP 4 - Proceed with DigiLocker integration by clicking Allow when asked.

STEP 5 - Complete the profile by entering email, mobile number, and a secure password, then validate both OTPs to finish registration.

STEP 6 - Log in to the portal, go to Department and Services, select the Social Welfare Department, and choose Skill Development Training.

STEP 7 - Click Apply Online, enter personal, address, and bank details, and submit the form to receive an Application ID for tracking the status later.

Documents

Make sure the following documents are ready before starting the application:

• Aadhaar Card.
• Caste Certificate issued with RD number.
• Valid Income Certificate.
• Ration Card.
• Recent passport-size photographs of the applicant and spouse.
• E-Shram Card confirming the profession as cobbler or shoemaker.
• Bank Passbook.
• Profession Certificate or Skill Test Certificate.

References

Official requirements and training details can be reviewed on the LIDKAR Training Programs page.

FAQ's

What is the duration of the Skill Development Training?

The training program runs for 60 days of intensive skill enhancement.

Is there any financial support provided during the training?

Yes, a stipend of ₹6,000 is given to support the artisan during the training period.

What kind of post-training support is available?

After finishing the training, the department provides leather stitching machines and professional toolkits to help the artisan start independent work.

Who is eligible for the Skill Development Training?

This scheme is for leather artisans from specified scheduled caste sub-castes like Arundathiyar, Chamar, and Madig.

What is the minimum age for applying?

The applicant should be at least 18 years old to join the training.

What is the unit cost of the training program?

The total unit cost per training program is ₹10.50 lakhs.

Is there a reservation for female artisans?

Yes, 33% of the total seats are reserved for female artisans.

Are there any special provisions for physically challenged applicants?

Yes, 5% of all seats are reserved for physically challenged candidates.

How are beneficiaries selected for the training program?

Applications are reviewed by district coordinators and submitted to the District Level Selection Committee for final approval.

Is there any cost to apply for the program?

No, the training is free and fully funded by the government.