Infrastructure and Technology Support is a central scheme of the Ministry of Textiles that helps artisans and weavers across India by developing modern facilities and production infrastructure. Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) is inviting proposals for infrastructure components under National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) for financial year 2026-27.
Eligible agencies get financial support for building marketing hubs, emporia, and common facility centres so that Indian handicraft products can compete well in the global market.
Infrastructure and Technology Support - Introduction
Infrastructure and Technology Support works to build top-level facilities that give strength to the handicraft sector. By providing strong support, this scheme improves product quality and keeps production costs low, so Indian artisans can compete well on the world stage.
Eligible agencies can use this financial support to develop Urban Haats, Emporia, Marketing and Sourcing Hubs, Handicraft Museums, Craft-Based Resource Centres, Common Facility Centres, Raw Material Depots, and Crafts Villages.
Main aim is to set up permanent marketing platforms in towns and metropolitan cities. These facilities give handicraft artisans and handloom weavers a direct place to sell their products to customers.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Infrastructure and Technology Support |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Transport & Infrastructure |
| Target Beneficiaries | Industries |
| Sub Category | Infrastructure |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | Yes |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Textiles |
| Open Date | 2025-01-30 |
Benefits
This scheme provides wide financial support for infrastructure development. Funding pattern for Urban Haats is given below:
| Project Type | Funding Ceiling | Funding Split |
|---|---|---|
| New Urban Haat (80 stalls) | Maximum ₹800 lakh | 40% DC(H), 40% DC(Hl), 20% State Agency |
| NER/J&K/Ladakh Projects | As per norms | 45% DC(HC), 45% DC(HL), 10% Agency |
| Renovation of Existing Haats | Maximum ₹250 lakh | 90% DC(H)/DC(Hl), 10% State |
For new projects, eligible agencies should arrange land separately, as it falls outside the 20% contribution from the agency. Projects are reviewed and managed by Project Approval and Monitoring Committee (PAMC).
Eligibility
Following agencies can apply for Infrastructure and Technology Support:
- Local statutory bodies and municipal authorities that can provide land and manage the project.
- Apex Cooperative Societies and national level Apex Societies registered under the Societies or Trust Act.
- Producer companies supported by the Office of the DC (Handicrafts).
Generally, agencies should have a minimum audited annual turnover of ₹1.5 crore for the last three consecutive years. This turnover condition does not apply to Central or State government agencies.
Application Process
Proposals are invited through official advertisements published on the official Indian Handicrafts portal.
STEP 1 - Go to the official Indian Handicrafts portal at indian.handicrafts.gov.in and check the latest advertisement for infrastructure proposals under NHDP.
STEP 2 - Prepare the proposal in the prescribed proforma as per the NHDP scheme guidelines.
STEP 3 - Submit the proposal online through the MIS portal on the official website and also send self-attested hard copies to the nearest Handicraft Service Centre.
Complete and timely submissions are accepted. Incomplete or late proposals will be rejected.
Documents
For fresh proposals, keep the following documents ready:
- Proposal in the prescribed proforma with a recommendation letter from the regional field office.
- Valid registration certificate, Memorandum of Association, and bye-laws of the agency.
- Audited balance sheets of the last three years and an affidavit regarding non-corrupt practices.
- Land ownership or lease agreements, detailed project report, and construction plans certified by an architect or chartered engineer.
- Third-party assessment report for equipment and an undertaking to cover cost escalations.
For reimbursement proposals, submit these documents:
- Monthly performance reports with photographic evidence.
- Verification report confirming expenditure and payment modes.
- Utilization certificate (GFR 12A) certified by a chartered accountant.
- Audited statement of accounts and inspection report from the Assistant Director.
References
Official NHDP Scheme Guidelines | Official Indian Handicrafts Portal
FAQ's
What is Infrastructure and Technology Support?
It is a sub-scheme under the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) that builds world-class infrastructure to help Indian artisans improve product quality and reduce costs.
What main components are supported?
Agencies can receive support for Urban Haats, Craft-Based Resource Centres, Raw Material Depots, Common Facility Centres, Emporia, Marketing and Sourcing Hubs, Craft Villages, and Handicraft Museums.
Who is eligible to participate?
Eligibility covers local statutory bodies, apex cooperative societies, society-registered trusts, and producer companies. A turnover of ₹1.5 crore is generally required for non-government agencies.
How is the funding structured?
The scheme covers a major portion of project costs. For instance, new Urban Haat units receive funding up to ₹800 lakh, shared between the DC (Handicrafts), DC (Handlooms), and the state implementing agency.
How much support is provided for renovation?
Agencies can receive up to ₹250 lakh for renovating existing Urban Haats, with 90% of the cost covered by the government and 10% by the agency.
What is the application process?
Applications are submitted online through the official Indian Handicrafts portal in the prescribed proforma, along with hard copies to the local Handicrafts Service Centre, after an official advertisement is released.
What documents are required for new applications?
Detailed Project Report (DPR), audited financial statements from the last three years, proof of land ownership, architect-certified construction plans, and affidavits confirming that the organization is not blacklisted are required.
What is needed for reimbursement?
Utilization certificates (GFR 12A), audited expenditure statements, and performance reports that show project progress with photographs are required.
What self-certifications must be provided?
Agencies must certify that they have not received other financial support for the same purpose, that they possess the required infrastructure, and that no utilization certificates are pending.
Who reviews the final proposal?
Project Approval and Monitoring Committee (PAMC), which includes experts from the DC and IFW, evaluates and approves all proposals.