AI SummaryJammu and Kashmir government Karkhandar Scheme is helping the craft sector of the Union Territory grow. The scheme gives fresh support to the craft industry, especially to the languishing crafts that are at risk of dying out. This article explains the eligibility, financial support given under the scheme and the other details.
Jammu & Kashmir government announced the Karkhandar scheme to develop the craft sector in the UT. The scheme is run on a pilot basis by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir. It is a major decision that gives a fresh lease of life to the craft industry of the UT and especially to the languishing crafts.
People working in the craft sector are often exploited and end up trapped in a cycle of poverty and pessimism, which forces many of them to leave craft work. To upscale their learning techniques, improve their earnings and build entrepreneurship qualities in them, the Karkhandar Scheme for Development of Craft Sector has been started by the J&K Government.
Also read: Jammu & Kashmir Domicile Certificate Online Application Form
What is J&K Karkhandar Scheme 2026
Jammu & Kashmir Karkhandar scheme identifies and gives skill upgradation training in crafts that are facing a shortage of skilled workers. These include walnut wood carving, silver filigree, carpet, Kani shawl weaving, Khatamband and Papier Machie crafts. Besides these, other crafts are also given due attention as per the need decided by the Assistant Directors of the Handicrafts & Handloom Department.
The number of craft centres given to each craft can be moved to other crafts depending on how the scheme takes off in each craft. A minimum of one and a maximum of five training programmes per craft are considered for the six-month duration.
The scheme is still being implemented across the UT. In August 2025, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir released ₹33.34 lakh for the rollout of the scheme across the Kashmir Division. The amount was given to the Assistant Directors of Handicrafts and Handloom in the first phase for the districts of Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Kulgam and Srinagar.
Objective of J&K Karkhandar Scheme
The J&K Karkhandar scheme aims to:-
- Revive the languishing crafts that are at risk of extinction.
- Upscale the learning skills of trainees.
- Improve the wages of the craftsmen through collectivization.
- Create links with producer organizations to build entrepreneurship skills and aptitude in the trainees.
Application Process for Karkhandar Scheme
Take a print of the format of the application form and the Affidavit given in Annexure-A and Annexure-B of the scheme rules:
Karkhandar Scheme guidelines PDF
Duly fill and sign the Application Form and the Affidavit, attach the self-attested copies of the supporting documents along with a passport-size photograph, and submit the same to the given address:
Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Govt of Jammu & Kashmir, J.L.N. Udyog Bhavan, Railhead Complex, Panama Chowk, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir - 180016
NOTE: The physical copy of the format of the application form and the Affidavit can also be obtained from the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom.
Also read: Jammu & Kashmir Ration Card Application Form
Eligibility Criteria for Karkhandar Scheme in J&K
Only a few conditions decide who can apply for the scheme. The main points are given below.
- Pass out meritorious trainees from training centres run by the Handicrafts and Handloom Department or ex-trainees. However, such conditions are not applied in the case of languishing crafts.
- A minimum of five trainees for an identified small Karkhana and a maximum of 10 trainees for an identified big Karkhana.
Jammu & Kashmir Karkhandar Scheme Methodology
The scheme works in a clear step-by-step way. The main points of the methodology are given below.
- As mentioned in Annexure A, meritorious pass-out trainees or ex-trainees of the departmental training centres are identified and motivated to opt for registration under the Karkhandar Scheme.
- Registration cards are issued to such trainees.
- Bank accounts of trainees are opened under the Jan Dhan Yojana.
- A complete database of the identified trainees is kept, including Aadhaar number, EPIC number and bank account number.
- As mentioned in Annexure B, registered Karkhanas or Karkhandars who are willing to enrol ex-trainees or pass-out trainees in their Karkhana are identified by the Handicrafts and Handloom Department.
- All the required logistics in the shape of tools, equipment, looms, raw material, space and so forth are provided by the identified Karkhandar. These Karkhandars are given a lump sum of ₹25,000 per batch in two installments for the cost of all logistics to run the training program well.
- After the course is completed, the trainees can form Cooperatives and all the required support or guidance is given to them to reach the aim of the scheme.
Financial Support Provided under Karkhandar Scheme
The scheme gives direct cash support to both the trainees and the Karkhandars. The details are given below.
- ₹2,000 is paid per trainee per month. The stipend is paid in two installments. ₹1,000 is paid through an individual bank account and the remaining amount is given after the successful completion of the probation or practical training session.
- ₹2,000 per trainee per month is given to Karkhandars for logistic charges as well as an honorarium to meritorious trainees. These are only given after checking that the trainees have reached the desired level of skills. The trainees are checked through an approved qualifying framework made for skill upgradation.
Other major schemes such as the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers and the Scheme of Financial Support to the Cooperatives have already been launched to boost the craft industry of J&K, especially the languishing crafts.
FAQ's
Is the Karkhandar Scheme still active in J&K?
Yes, the scheme is still being implemented in the UT. In 2025 the Handicrafts and Handloom Department released ₹33.34 lakh for its rollout in the Kashmir Division.
How much stipend is given to a trainee under the scheme?
A trainee gets ₹2,000 per month for the six-month training period. The amount is paid in two installments through direct bank transfer.
Who can apply for the Karkhandar Scheme?
Meritorious pass-out trainees and ex-trainees of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department training centres can apply. This condition is not applied for languishing crafts.