AI SummaryPension Scheme for Craftsmen provides money help and safety support to elderly artisans aged 60 years or above from below poverty line (BPL) families in Uttarakhand by adding an extra monthly income to their existing pension.
Pension Scheme for Craftsmen is a state scheme of the Government of Uttarakhand. It is run by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Department and is open for eligible traditional artisans of the state.
Pension Scheme for Craftsmen - Introduction
The scheme gives financial security to traditional artisans who have spent their lives keeping the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand alive. It is made for people aged 60 years and older who live below the poverty line.
By offering an extra amount on top of the regular old age pension, the scheme helps elderly craftsmen live with dignity and money independence.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pension Scheme for Craftsmen |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Business and Entrepreneurship |
| Benefit Type | Cash benefit |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Main Department | Industry Department |
| Department Running the Scheme | Uttarakhand Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
Benefits
Under this scheme, craftsmen aged 60 years or above who already receive an old age pension get an additional regular incentive of ₹400 per month. This amount is paid along with the existing pension to improve the monthly income of eligible artisans.
Eligibility
To qualify for this pension benefit, the applicant should meet the following criteria:
- Permanent resident of Uttarakhand.
- Artisan or craftsman aged 60 years or above.
- Already receiving an old age pension from the government.
- Belonging to a family falling below the poverty line (BPL).
- Remains eligible even if the son or grandson is 20 years of age or older, as long as the family still qualifies as BPL. For example, if Ramesh, an elderly woodcarver, lives in a BPL household, his 22-year-old grandson can be part of that same income-classified household without disqualifying Ramesh.
- Actively engaged in traditional handicrafts such as stone, wood, iron, lamp, ringal, bamboo, or natural fibre product development, or any other craft officially approved by the state.
Application Process
The application is submitted offline through the District Industries Centre. Follow these steps to apply for the benefit:
STEP 1 - Get the application form from the office of the General Manager, District Industries Centre, or download it from the official department website.
STEP 2 - Keep the required documents ready, including Aadhaar, bank passbook, old age pension proof, BPL certificate, date of birth proof, family register copy, and the artisan certificate.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application folder to the General Manager at the District Industries Centre in the concerned district.
A committee led by the General Manager of the District Industries Centre checks the submitted documents. Once the details are confirmed as eligible, the government selects the applicant for the additional benefit. The pension is then deposited quarterly directly into the bank or post office account.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Aadhaar Card for identity verification.
- Copy of the bank account passbook.
- Proof showing the applicant is currently receiving an old age pension.
- Valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate.
- Birth certificate or Aadhaar as proof of date of birth.
- Certified copy of the family register to confirm family details.
- A formal certificate confirming the professional status as an artisan or craftsman.
References
For the latest updates and application details, visit the official department website of Directorate of Industries, Uttarakhand.
FAQ's
How much financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
Eligible artisans receive an additional regular incentive of ₹400 per month to improve their financial standing, distributed along with their existing pension.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Any artisan aged 60 years or above who belongs to a BPL family and already receives an old age pension is eligible to apply.
Are there any exceptions for younger family members?
Yes. Even if the son or grandson is 20 years or older, the applicant remains eligible for the pension as long as the family classification stays below the poverty line.
Which types of craftsmen are covered under this scheme?
The scheme covers various traditional crafts, including stone, wood, copper, iron, lamp, ringal, bamboo, and natural fibre-based product development, plus any other crafts the government approves in the future.
What is the mode of payment for the pension amount?
The government pays the additional incentive on a quarterly basis, transferring the funds directly into the verified bank or post office account.
From where can I obtain the application form?
The application form can be collected from the office of the General Manager, District Industries Centre, or downloaded from the official department website.
Where should the filled application form be submitted?
The completed application form with all necessary documents should be submitted to the General Manager at the District Industries Centre in the respective district.