Artisans Financial Benefit Scheme: Support for Digital Marketing is a sub-scheme under the larger West Bengal Artisans Financial Benefit Scheme 2024. It is run by the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department of the Government of West Bengal and gives traditional artisans money help to build their online presence and sell through e-commerce platforms.
The scheme was launched on 7 March 2024 and stays in force for five years, so it remains open for eligible artisans across the state as of August 2026. Under this sub-scheme, an individual artisan gets ₹2,000 and an industrial cooperative society gets ₹10,000 to cover digital marketing costs.
Artisans Financial Benefit Scheme: Support for Digital Marketing
This sub-scheme focuses on helping artisans reach wider digital markets. By supporting e-commerce access and online selling, the government creates sustainable business opportunities for traditional craft communities in West Bengal. The money help is meant to cover expenses related to digital marketing so that artisans can list and sell their handmade products online.
Artisans who are already enlisted on the state portal for artisans and weavers can apply for this support. The scheme is open to both individual handicraft artisans and registered cooperative societies of artisans, and it works alongside other sub-schemes such as Facilitation Supports and Grant to Individual Artisans under the same parent scheme.
Key Information
| Key Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Artisans Financial Benefit Scheme: Support for Digital Marketing |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | West Bengal |
| Category | Business & Entrepreneurship |
| Target Beneficiaries | Artisans, Registered Societies |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Textiles Department |
| Open Date | March 7, 2024 |
Benefits
The government provides the following financial support to help artisans expand their business reach through digital marketing:
| Beneficiary Type | Financial Assistance |
|---|---|
| Individual Artisan | ₹2,000 |
| Industrial Cooperative Society | ₹10,000 |
Eligibility
Artisans and industrial cooperative societies can get benefit from this scheme. Please check the eligibility against the following criteria:
- Age must be between 18 and 60 years.
- Currently engaged in a traditional craft or trade using hand tools, small equipment, or small machines.
- Currently enlisted in the State Portal for artisans and weavers.
- Indian citizen and permanent resident of West Bengal for at least 10 years.
Exclusions
This support is not available under the following circumstances:
- Central or state government employees and their family members cannot apply.
- Artisans who have already received grants from the central or state government for this exact purpose are not eligible.
- Handloom and Khadi weavers, along with their respective societies, are excluded since they receive support through separate dedicated schemes.
Application Process
Applications are submitted offline at the designated office depending on the location. Follow the steps given below:
STEP 1 - If you live in a rural area, submit your application at the BDO office. For municipality areas, submit it at the SDO office. For urban areas, submit it at the Municipal Corporation office.
STEP 2 - Carry the required documents such as proof of enrollment in the state portal for artisans and weavers, a valid registration certificate for industrial cooperative societies, and invoices or bills related to digital marketing expenses.
STEP 3 - A screening committee reviews the application based on the area, and the Directorate of MSME finalizes the inspection formats before the benefit is approved.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the application process:
- Proof of enrollment in the State portal for artisans and weavers.
- Valid Registration certificate, specifically for industrial cooperative societies.
- Invoices or bills related to digital marketing expenses.
References
Official Scheme Portal of West Bengal
FAQ's
What crafts and trades are covered?
The scheme covers various age-old traditional trades performed by handicraft artisans, such as blacksmithy, pottery, carpentry, masonry, garland making (Malakar), shoe making (Charmakar), dhobi (washerman), boat making, fishing, net making, broom making, clay doll making, folk and musical instrument making, puppetry, basketry, locksmith, goldsmithy, and barber services.
What amount of financial support does the government provide?
An individual artisan receives ₹2,000, while a registered industrial cooperative society receives ₹10,000 for digital marketing support.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department implements and monitors the scheme.
How does the department process applications?
A screening committee handles the application based on the area: the BDO office for rural zones, the SDO office for municipalities, and the municipal corporation for urban centers. The Directorate of MSME finalized the inspection formats.
Are there penalties for providing false information?
Yes, if facts are misrepresented or false information is furnished, the authorities will revoke the claims under the scheme.
How does the complaint help mechanism work?
If there are issues with a decision, an applicant should apply to the Director of MSME. The Director may consult the Department of MSME and Textiles for further clarification before finalizing any decision.
When did the scheme start and how long will it last?
The scheme launched on 7 March 2024 and stays active for five years.
Who qualifies as the target beneficiary?
Individual handicraft artisans and cooperative societies of artisans across the state are the primary targets.
How can I get these benefits?
Apply manually by submitting the required documentation to the local BDO, SDO, or Municipal Corporation office.
Is there an income criteria?
No, there is no specific income limit required to apply for this scheme.
Is there a specific age limit?
Yes, applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old to be eligible.
How often is the support provided?
The financial support is provided as a one-time grant to beneficiaries.