National Handicrafts Development Programme: Infrastructure and Technology Support: EMPORIA

National Handicrafts Development Programme: Infrastructure and Technology Support: EMPORIA gives money help to agencies that want to set up emporia in places where they can do good business. This scheme helps artisans get a proper place to sell their handmade goods and reach more customers easily.

Under this component of the National Handicrafts Development Programme, eligible agencies can set up emporia in their own or rented buildings. The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, runs this scheme and now accepts proposals online through the new MIS portal at indian.handicrafts.gov.in. The government has invited fresh proposals for the financial year 2025-26, so the scheme is open for new applications.

National Handicrafts Development Programme: Infrastructure and Technology Support: EMPORIA

This scheme is a key part of the National Handicrafts Development Programme. It gives financial support to eligible agencies to establish emporia in commercially viable locations, whether in their own or rented premises. By setting up these outlets, the scheme builds a strong marketing platform for local handicrafts artisans and helps handmade products reach the right market.

Earlier, applications had to be sent offline in hard copy to the nearest Handicraft Service Center. Now the process has moved online. Agencies can register and submit their NHDP proposals through the new MIS portal, which makes the whole application and monitoring process easier and more open.

Key Information

Benefits

The scheme gives significant financial support to set up or renovate emporia. The cost-sharing pattern depends on the type of project and the location of the emporium.

For general areas, the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) covers 80% of the admissible amount, while the agency contributes the remaining 20%. For special regions including NER, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep, the Office provides 90% and the agency contributes 10%. For renovation of existing emporia, the Office bears 100% of the cost. The rental expenses for the premises have to be borne by the implementing agency.

Eligibility

An organization can apply if it falls into one of these categories:

• Central or State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporations, and other government-promoted agencies.
• Eligible non-governmental organizations, registered SHGs, local statutory bodies, exporter associations, and apex cooperative or national societies registered under relevant acts.
• Organizations such as IICT, MHSC, HMCM, NIFT, and various Export Promotion Councils.
• Producer companies registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act that actively promote handicrafts and handlooms.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Visit the official MIS portal at Indian Handicrafts official website and register your agency on the portal.

STEP 2 - Log in with your credentials and fill in the online proposal form for the Infrastructure and Technology Support component under NHDP.

STEP 3 - Upload all the required supporting documents in the format asked on the portal and submit the proposal before the last date.

STEP 4 - Keep the proposal reference number safe and track the status of your application online through the same portal.

Documents

For fresh project proposals, the following documents are required:

• Proposal in the prescribed proforma.
• Recommendation letter from the relevant field or regional office.
• Valid registration certificate, Memorandum of Association, and Bye-Laws.
• Financial records including a three-year balance sheet, audited statements, and the last annual report.
• Affidavits regarding non-corrupt practices and registration validity.
• Land ownership or lease agreements and detailed project reports.
• Feasibility report certified by a scheduled commercial bank.
• Construction plans and cost estimates authenticated by an architect or chartered engineer.
• A third-party assessment report for equipment and an undertaking to bear the remaining project costs.

For reimbursement proposals, agencies have to submit performance reports with photographs, expenditure verifications from the Assistant Director of the Handicraft Service Centre, utilization certificates in GFR 12A format signed by a Chartered Accountant, and audited statements of accounts.

References

Official NHDP MIS Portal | Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Website

FAQ's

What is the full form of NHDP?

The full form of NHDP is National Handicrafts Development Programme.

What are the objectives of this scheme?

The main aim is to provide a dedicated marketing and sales platform for local handicrafts artisans through organized emporia.

Where should the emporia be set up?

These should be established in commercially viable locations, using either the agency's own buildings or rented properties.

What is the financial ceiling for a new emporia?

For setting up a new emporia, the per unit cost limit is ₹60,00,000.

What is the financial limit for renovation work?

For strengthening or renovation projects, the per unit cost limit is ₹15,00,000.

What percentage of costs does the government cover for general areas?

The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) covers 80% of the admissible amount, while the implementing agency contributes 20%.

How can an agency apply for this scheme now?

Applications are now accepted online through the new MIS portal at indian.handicrafts.gov.in instead of the earlier offline process.

Is there a different cost-sharing ratio for special regions?

Yes, for regions like NER, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep, the Office supports 90% of the cost, with the agency contributing 10%.