Mukhyamantri Baristha Bunakar and Karigara Sahayata Yojana
Odisha government runs Mukhyamantri Baristha Bunakar and Karigara Sahayata Yojana to help elderly weavers and handicraft artisans. This scheme gives monthly money support to senior craftspersons who have spent their lives in weaving and handloom work but face money problems now.
The Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department started this scheme on 1 February 2024. It will keep running until 31 March 2027, with a chance to extend after review. Eligible people get between ₹2,000 and ₹2,500 every month depending on age and gender. Only one member per family can get this benefit.
Application Process
You can apply for this scheme through an offline process. First, download the application form from the official website of the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Odisha. The form is available as Annexure-I on the handloom.odisha.gov.in portal. Fill in all the details carefully and attach the required documents listed in the guidelines.
STEP 1 - Download the prescribed application form (Annexure-I) from the official website at handloom.odisha.gov.in. You can also collect the form from the Zonal Office of the Directorate of Textiles or the Director of Handicrafts office near you.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the fields correctly. Attach a recent passport-size colour photograph, a self-attested copy of your Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook showing name and IFSC code, an annual income certificate from the Tahasildar, and proof of age such as your voter ID card, Aadhaar card, or high school certificate.
STEP 3 - If your name is not in the latest survey list of weavers or artisans, attach any national or state award certificate you may have received, like Kalakruti, Tantakruti, or Design/Merit certificates. These awards make you eligible even without being in the survey list.
STEP 4 - Submit your complete application package to the Director of Textiles and Handlooms or the Director of Handicrafts office. After officials verify your records, your application goes to the District Level Selection Committee for final approval. Once approved, you do not need to apply again.
Benefits
The scheme gives monthly financial assistance based on age and gender categories. Female weavers and artisans get support from age 40 onwards, while male applicants qualify from age 50. Those aged 80 years or above get a higher amount regardless of gender.
| Category | Age Criteria | Monthly Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Above 40 to below 80 years | ₹2,000 |
| Male | Above 50 to below 80 years | ₹2,000 |
| All Applicants | 80 years or more | ₹2,500 |
The assistance is credited on or around the 15th of each month for the previous month. Payments go directly into the beneficiary's bank account through direct benefit transfer.
Eligibility
You should meet all the conditions below to qualify for this scheme:
- You must be a permanent resident or domicile of Odisha state.
- You should be a weaver, ancillary worker, or handicraft artisan as per the latest department survey.
- Female applicants need to be 40 years or older, and male applicants need to be 50 years or older.
- If you are a national or state awardee such as Kalakruti, Tantakruti, or hold a Design or Merit certificate in handloom or handicraft sectors, you can apply even if your name is not in the survey list.
- Only one family member is allowed to receive benefits under this scheme.
- Your total annual family income must not exceed ₹1,00,000. You need an income certificate from your local Tahasildar or Revenue Department.
- Government employees, retired government employees, and current income tax payers cannot apply.
- You cannot receive benefits from other similar schemes like Madhubabu Pension Yojana or Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana at the same time.
- You must not have any criminal convictions.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Recent colour passport-size photograph.
- Self-attested copy of your Aadhaar-linked bank passbook showing your name and IFSC code.
- Annual Income Certificate issued by the concerned Tahasildar or Revenue Department authority.
- Proof of age such as Voter ID card, Aadhaar card, High School Certificate, or Birth Registration Certificate.
- Award certificates (if applicable) for national or state-level recognition.
- A signed self-declaration form stating you are not receiving other government pensions and have no criminal record.
Exclusions
The financial support will stop in the following cases:
- On the death of the beneficiary.
- If the Director of Textiles or Director of Handicrafts finds that false or wrong information was given during application.
- If the beneficiary no longer meets the basic eligibility conditions of the scheme.
Scheme Guidelines
The scheme is run by both the Directorate of Textiles and Directorate of Handicrafts, Odisha. Applications are reviewed quarterly and placed before the District Level Selection Committee. Financial assistance starts from the date of approval by this committee.
Contact Details
For any queries about the scheme, you can reach the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department at Lokseva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar-751001, Odisha. The department helpdesk number is 0674-2322785 and email is hthdepartment@gmail.com.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mukhyamantri Baristha Bunakar and Karigara Sahayata Yojana |
| Launched By | Government of Odisha |
| Beneficiaries | Elderly Weavers and Handicraft Artisans |
| Benefit Amount | ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per month |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Official Website | handloom.odisha.gov.in |
| Scheme Validity | Until 31 March 2027 |
References
Official Scheme Guidelines (PDF)
FAQ's
What are the monthly benefits provided under this scheme?
Female beneficiaries aged 40 to 80 and male beneficiaries aged 50 to 80 receive ₹2,000 per month. Those aged 80 years or above, regardless of gender, receive ₹2,500 per month.
Who can apply for this scheme?
Permanent residents of Odisha who are weavers or handicraft artisans and meet the age and income requirements can apply. For example, a 55-year-old male artisan from Odisha with a family income below ₹1 lakh qualifies to apply.
Where can I download the application form?
The application form is available on the official website of the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Odisha at handloom.odisha.gov.in. You can also collect it from the Zonal Office of the Directorate of Textiles.
How is my application processed?
Submit your completed form along with documents to the Director of Textiles or Director of Handicrafts. Officials verify your records and then present your application to the District Level Selection Committee for approval. Approved applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis.
Which documents are essential for application?
You need a passport-size photo, Aadhaar-linked bank passbook, an income certificate, a self-declaration form, and valid age proof. Award certificates are needed only if your name is not in the department survey list.
Can I apply online?
Currently, the application process is offline. You need to submit the physical form and documents to the designated offices. An online portal is expected to be developed by the department in future.
Is this scheme still active in 2026?
Yes, the scheme is active and open for applications until 31 March 2027. The government plans to extend it further after a satisfactory review.