AI SummaryAward Scheme to Encourage Entrepreneurs honors the exceptional skill and craftsmanship of local artisans and weavers in Uttarakhand. By providing monetary honours at both state and district levels, this scheme promotes creativity and excellence within the handicrafts and handloom sectors to support deserving individuals.
For the financial year 2025-26, the Department of Industries, Government of Uttarakhand has invited applications for the handloom, handicraft and small industry awards. The scheme continues to identify and reward registered artisans, weavers and small entrepreneurs whose products stand out for their quality and innovation.
Award Scheme to Encourage Entrepreneurs - Introduction
Award Scheme to Encourage Entrepreneurs is a supportive scheme by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Department under the Department of Industries, Government of Uttarakhand. It identifies and honors the brilliant work of registered artisans and weavers. By highlighting innovation and creativity, it aims to uplift the handicrafts and handloom sectors across the state through prestigious state and district-level awards.
The awards are given every financial year based on the excellence of the products made by weavers, handicraftsmen and small entrepreneurs. A selection committee formed at the district and state level chooses the winners. For the 2025-26 awards, applications were accepted at the District Industries Centre (DIC) offices until early March 2026.
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Award Scheme to Encourage Entrepreneurs |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary | Individual or Business Entity |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Implementing Agency | Uttarakhand Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises |
| Official Website | doi.uk.gov.in |
Benefits
Financial rewards are given for dedication to the craft. The awards are distributed based on expertise in the handloom, handicraft and small industry sectors. As per the 2025-26 announcement, district-level winners receive the following prizes:
| Award Level | Category | First Prize | Second Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Level | Handloom / Handicraft / Small Industry | ₹60,000 | ₹40,000 |
For example, if Ramesh, a skillful weaver in Dehradun, wins the district-level award, he receives ₹60,000 for his creative contribution to the handloom sector.
Eligibility
Applicants should meet the following criteria to apply successfully:
- Applicants must be registered as a Handloom Weaver or Handicraftsman with the Directorate of Industries, Uttarakhand, or the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts/Handloom), Government of India.
- Applicants must belong to a registered handicraft or handloom cooperative society or a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) within Uttarakhand.
- Small units must be permanently established under the industry department, producing continuously for the past three years and with audited balance sheets for those three years.
- The cooperative society or institution should not be a loan defaulter with any financial institution or government department.
- If the award was received previously, the applicant should wait for three consecutive years before applying again.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Obtain the application form from the office of the General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) or download it directly from the official department website.
STEP 2 - Fill out the form completely and attach the Aadhaar card copy, relevant work documents, product photographs and certificates.
STEP 3 - Submit two copies of the application to the General Manager, District Industries Centre of the concerned district.
STEP 4 - Include a demand draft of ₹50 payable to the General Manager, District Industries Centre.
Selection Process: A selection committee chaired by the District Magistrate or Chief Development Officer reviews district entries, while a committee led by the Director of Industries evaluates all state-level applications.
Documents
Keep these documents ready for the required documents list:
- Copy of the Aadhaar Card
- Proof of registration as a weaver or handicraftsman
- Detailed photographs of work samples
- Copies of past certificates or recognitions
- Demand Draft of ₹50
References
View Official Scheme Notification (Uttarakhand District)
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply for this award?
Individual artisans and weavers who are registered with recognized cooperatives or NGOs in Uttarakhand are eligible to apply.
Are there specific registration requirements?
Yes, applicants must hold a valid registration as a Handloom Weaver or Handicraftsman from either the Directorate of Industries, Uttarakhand, or the Development Commissioner of the Government of India.
Can I apply if my cooperative has taken a loan?
Yes, as long as the cooperative or institution is not a loan defaulter with any bank or government department.
What are the cash prizes for District Level Awards?
As per the 2025-26 announcement, the first prize is ₹60,000 and the second prize is ₹40,000 for each category.
Can I win the award every year?
No, if an applicant is a recipient, they cannot apply again for the next three consecutive years.
Where do I find the application form?
The form can be obtained at the local District Industries Centre (DIC) or downloaded from doi.uk.gov.in.
Where is the final submission point?
The completed application should be submitted to the office of the General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) in the home district.