AI SummaryKarkhandar Scheme for Development of Craft Sector is a skilling upgrade plan run by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It gives advanced skill training to meritorious trainees and ex-trainees from departmental craft centers, so that the state can close the human resource gap in crafts that are short of skilled hands. The scheme also works to raise artisan wages through collective production and link artisans with professional Karkhanas to build an entrepreneurial mindset.
The scheme was notified in August 2021 and is still being carried out by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Jammu and Kashmir. In 2025 the department released financial support under the scheme across the Kashmir division to keep languishing crafts alive, so registration and training continue for eligible trainees.
Karkhandar Scheme for Development of Craft Sector - Introduction
This scheme selects meritorious trainees and ex-trainees who have completed courses at departmental training centers and places them inside established Karkhanas to sharpen their skills. The program gives top priority to crafts that are facing labor shortages and to traditional crafts that are in decline. Through this collective effort, a small Karkhana can host a minimum of five trainees, while a larger one can take up to 10. Each training cycle runs for six months, and a maximum of five training programs are allowed per craft.
Objectives of this scheme
- Revive crafts that are currently languishing, such as glazed pottery, turquoise craft and darning, by giving them trained manpower.
- Upscale the technical expertise of trainees so they can match modern production standards and market demand.
- Boost the wage earnings of craftsmen by bringing them together for collective production and shared orders.
- Develop linkages with producer organizations so that trainees build a strong entrepreneurial aptitude after training.
Why this scheme matters
Artisans often work through difficult business cycles that lead to money problems and limited social progress. Many skilled people are forced to leave their craft because the income is low. This scheme acts as a strong intervention to change that picture. By exposing trainees to professional production standards and modern design techniques, it helps artisans achieve a steady livelihood. It also gives them a way to meet current market needs and use technology to improve their output.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Karkhandar Scheme for Development of Craft Sector |
| Level | State |
| State | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Category | Skills and Employment |
| Sub-Category | Training and Skill Up-gradation |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| Nodal Department | Department of Industries and Commerce |
| Implementing Agency | Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Training Duration | Six months |
| Trainees per Karkhana | 5 to 10 |
Financial support to trainees
A trainee gets a monthly stipend of ₹2000. Of this, ₹1000 is paid directly to the bank account, and the remaining amount is given after the practical training session is finished successfully. The authorities also help open a bank account under Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) if the applicant does not already have one.
Financial support to Karkhandar (trainer)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Honorarium per trainee per month | ₹2000 |
| Lump sum for logistics (tools, raw material, space) per batch | ₹25,000 |
The lump sum for logistics is given in two phases. The first installment is released at the start of training and the second installment on completion of the batch. The trainer's honorarium is paid only after the required skill level is shown through an approved evaluation framework. All payments are processed strictly through DBT mode directly to bank accounts.
Eligibility
To join this scheme, a person should meet the following conditions:
- Must be a pass-out or an existing trainee from a recognized Handicrafts and Handloom departmental training center.
- Must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- For example, if a person completes a wood carving course from a government center, that person becomes eligible for advanced training under a master craftsman.
Documents required
Before applying, keep the following papers ready:
- Aadhaar Number.
- Valid bank account details.
- Domicile Certificate.
- Proof of identity and age (DOB).
- Educational qualification certificates.
- Proof of previous training received.
- Registration card from the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, if applicable.
- Documentation showing the Karkhandar's market linkages with retailers or exporters, if applying as a trainer.
Application Process
Applications are accepted through the offline process. Start by opening the official guidelines PDF to download the application format and the affidavit found in the scheme rules.
STEP 1 - Print the Application Form and the Affidavit (Annexure-A and Annexure-B) from the scheme guidelines.
STEP 2 - Fill out the form clearly and sign all the documents.
STEP 3 - Attach self-attested copies of the required documents and a recent passport-sized photograph.
STEP 4 - Submit the complete file to the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir, J.L.N. Udyog Bhavan, Railhead Complex, Panama Chowk, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir - 180 016.
Physical copies of these forms can also be collected directly from the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom office.
Definitions
Crafts facing human resource crunch
These are specialized crafts like walnut wood carving, silver filigree, carpet making, Kani shawl weaving, Khatamband and Papier Machie. Other crafts such as Sozni, Willow Wicker and copperware may also qualify based on the assessment by the local Assistant Director.
Languishing crafts
These are traditional arts like Glazed Pottery, Turquoise craft and Darning, which get top priority under this scheme.
Karkhandar
A Karkhandar is usually a State or National awardee or a Shilp Guru who runs a workshop registered with the Handicrafts and Handloom Department. Where such awardees are not available, the department selects master trainers based on specific approval.
References
Official Guidelines and Application Forms
Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Jammu
FAQ's
Will the benefit be provided as a one-time assistance?
Yes, this support is given as a one-time incentive for the duration of the training.
Who can apply for this scheme?
Meritorious pass-out trainees or existing students of departmental training centers are eligible to apply.
What financial support is given to the Karkhandar?
The Karkhandar receives ₹2000 per trainee monthly plus a batch lump sum of ₹25,000 for logistics.
Is there a minimum educational qualification required?
No, there is no specific minimum educational qualification required to apply.
Can pass-out trainees apply?
Yes, both current and past trainees are welcome to join.
What is meant by languishing crafts?
Languishing crafts refer to traditional arts that are currently in decline, specifically Glazed Pottery, Turquoise craft and Darning.
What is the maximum number of trainees allowed per Karkhana?
A small Karkhana can host five trainees, while a large Karkhana can host up to 10.
What is the duration of the training program?
The program runs for a total of six months.
Who is the implementing agency?
The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, implements this program.
Will financial support be provided in cash?
No, all payments are issued via the DBT mode directly to bank accounts.
How can I apply?
Applications are currently accepted through the offline process at the Directorate office.
What happens if I leave the training program midway?
Applicants must sign an undertaking stating the intent to complete the course. If the training is left midway, the entire stipend received should be refunded.