Charmashilpa Scheme

Karnataka government runs Charmashilpa Scheme for leather artisans who want to move from traditional handwork to mechanized production. The scheme offers a total financial package of ₹10,00,000 per unit, split between a ₹5,00,000 government subsidy and a ₹5,00,000 bank loan. This support helps artisans buy modern machinery, meet working capital needs, and cover other setup costs so they can compete better in the market.

Charmashilpa Scheme - Introduction

Charmashilpa Scheme assists leather artisans in upgrading their traditional work methods by providing financial support to set up mechanized production units. Individual artisans, self-help groups, and cooperative societies from specific scheduled castes can apply. The scheme provides both financial and technical guidance, making the shift from manual labour to efficient, modern production techniques easier. Karnataka State Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR) implements this programme under the Social Welfare Department.

Highlights at a Glance

Benefits

The scheme provides a total financial package of ₹10,00,000 per unit to modernize leather businesses. This assistance balances initial investment and operational needs:

The total funds are allocated across three categories:

Besides financial aid, the scheme also organises technical training programmes so artisans can learn modern production techniques, maintain quality standards, and innovate. This skill upgradation helps them stay relevant as market needs change.

Eligibility

To qualify for this support, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Between 18 and 50 years
• Community: Must belong to scheduled castes such as Arundathiyar, Chammadiya, Chamar, Chambar, Chamagar, Madar, Madig, Madiga, Mini Madig, Jambavalu, Haralayya, Machigar, Mochigar, Mochi, Muchi, Telugu Mochi, Kamaati Mocha, Rohidas, Dhor, Kakkayya, Kankayya, Samagara, Samagar, Aadhi Andhra, Aadhi Dravida, Aadhi Karnataka, or other related sub-castes. Applicants from Aadhi Dravida, Aadhi Karnataka, and Aadhi Andhra need to furnish a self-declaration letter mentioning their sub-caste.
• Occupation: Must be a leather artisan, part of an artisan self-help group, or a member of a cooperative society engaged in leather work
• Annual Family Income: Not more than ₹30,000 in rural areas or ₹25,000 in urban areas
• No Prior Benefits: Applicant or family members should not have received financial benefits from other similar LIDKAR schemes, except training programmes or Paaduke Kuteera scheme
• No Government Employment: No family member should hold a position in government or semi-government organisations
• One Per Family: Only one artisan per family (husband, wife, and unmarried children) can avail the benefit
• Reservations: 33% reservation for female artisans across schemes, 5% for physically challenged candidates

Application Process

STEP 1 - Visit the official Seva Sindhu portal at sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in or the Suvidha portal at suvidha.karnataka.gov.in. You can also access the main Seva Sindhu site at sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in.

STEP 2 - Click on the 'New User Registration' option on the homepage. Register using your Aadhaar number and validate through the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

STEP 3 - After Aadhaar verification, fill in your basic details like name, email ID, mobile number, and set up a password for your account. Validate the email and mobile separately through OTPs.

STEP 4 - Log in to the portal using your newly created credentials.

STEP 5 - Navigate to the 'Departments & Services' section and select 'Social Welfare Department' from the list.

STEP 6 - Choose 'Charmashilpa Scheme' from the available schemes under the department.

STEP 7 - Fill in the application form with accurate personal details, address information, and banking particulars.

STEP 8 - Upload scanned copies of all required documents. Make sure they are clearly visible and in the prescribed size and format.

STEP 9 - Review all entered information carefully before final submission. After submitting, the portal will generate an Application ID. Save this for tracking your application status.

How to Track Application Status

STEP 1 - Visit the Seva Sindhu portal and log in with your credentials.

STEP 2 - Find and click on the 'Track Application Status' option. The portal will display your application status as either 'Pending' or 'Approved'.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before starting the application:

• Aadhaar Card
• Caste certificate with RD number
• Valid annual income certificate
• Ration Card
• Passport-size photographs of applicant and spouse
• E-Shram card (only for cobblers or shoemakers)
• First page of self-help group bank passbook (only for Kayaka Spoorthi scheme)
• Detailed project report for the proposed unit
• Loan-related documents

Selection Process

Applications are verified by the District Coordinator, who prepares a list of eligible applicants. This list goes to the concerned MLAs for recommendations. The District Level Selection Committee, headed by the Joint or Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department, makes the final selection. Committee members include the District Manager of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation and the District Coordinator of LIDKAR as Member Secretary. After selection, the list is submitted to the Head Office for administrative approval by the Managing Director. Once approved, the beneficiary list is published on notice boards at respective district units.

References

Official LIDKAR Self Employment Programs page

Seva Sindhu Services Portal

FAQ's

What is the primary objective of Charmashilpa Scheme?

This initiative helps leather artisans modernize production methods by offering direct financial aid and technical support.

How much financial support is available?

The scheme provides a total of ₹10,00,000, consisting of a ₹5,00,000 subsidy and a ₹5,00,000 bank loan.

What are the income requirements?

Annual family income must not exceed ₹30,000 in rural areas and ₹25,000 in urban areas.

What is the age limit for applying?

Applicants must be between 18 and 50 years of age.

Can I apply if I received other government benefits?

Generally no, unless those benefits were specifically for training programmes or the Paaduke Kuteera scheme from LIDKAR.

What documents do I need to prepare?

You should have your Aadhaar card, caste and income certificates, ration card, passport-size photographs, and a detailed project report. Cobblers and shoemakers also need an E-Shram card.

Who reviews my application?

Your application is verified by the district coordinator and finalized by the District Level Selection Committee headed by the Joint or Deputy Director of Social Welfare Department.

Does the scheme provide extra help for self-help groups?

Yes, self-help groups with 10 female artisans qualify for assistance under the Kayaka Spoorthi guidelines. There is also 33% reservation for women across schemes.

How will I know if my application is successful?

Once administrative approval is granted, the list of beneficiaries is published on local notice boards at district units.

Where can I get help if I face issues with the application?

Contact the LIDKAR head office at 080-22288895 or visit their office at No. 32, Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Lidkar Bhavana, Millers Bund Area, Vasantha Nagara, Bengaluru - 560052.