Monthly Grant to Old Crafts Persons (Pension) Component of the Development of Handicrafts Scheme offers a monthly pension of ₹2,000 to elderly artisans in Puducherry. This welfare scheme is open for eligible craftspersons and runs under Department of Industries and Commerce, Union Territory of Puducherry, to honor their lifetime work in traditional arts and give them financial support in old age.
Pension is paid to protect artisans in their old age, keeping in mind the contribution each person has made to keep traditional crafts alive. For 2026-27, the scheme is still listed on the official District Industries Centre (DIC) portal at dic.py.gov.in, and there is no news of it being closed. Eligible artisans can continue to apply in offline mode through the prescribed application form.
Monthly Grant to Old Crafts Persons (Pension) Scheme - Introduction
Monthly Grant to Old Crafts Persons (Pension) Component of the Development of Handicrafts Scheme is a dedicated support system from Department of Industries and Commerce, Union Territory of Puducherry. The scheme recognizes the work of veteran artisans by paying a monthly grant of ₹2,000. It makes sure that aging craftspersons who have preserved cultural heritage get steady money support in their senior years.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Monthly Grant to Old Crafts Persons (Pension) Component of the Development of Handicrafts Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Target Audience | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Puducherry |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Direct Cash Assistance |
| Monthly Grant | ₹2,000 |
| Spouse Pension | ₹1,000 per month |
| Nodal Department | Industries and Commerce Department, Puducherry |
Who Can Apply
An artisan can apply under this scheme if they meet the following conditions:
- Artisan who has attained the age of 60 years.
- Should be a native or resident of Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
- Should have practiced the craft for at least 5 years in Union Territory of Puducherry.
- Total annual family income should not be more than ₹40,000.
- Should not already receive similar pension or money help from any other government source.
Benefits
Eligible craftspersons get a monthly grant of ₹2,000 under this scheme. This money help continues for life, provided the yearly renewal process is completed on time.
Also, if a beneficiary passes away, the surviving spouse becomes eligible for a monthly pension of ₹1,000 to manage household expenses. This family support makes sure the dependents of veteran artisans are not left without help.
Pension payments are made on a regular basis through the official process, and the pension is linked to the contribution of the artisan toward protecting the traditional craft of the region.
How to Apply
The application process is fully offline. Follow these steps to apply for the pension grant:
STEP 1 - Download the prescribed application format from the official website of District Industries Centre, Puducherry at dic.py.gov.in. The form is available in the application forms download area.
STEP 2 - Fill in all required details correctly, paste a passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested copies of all needed documents with the form.
STEP 3 - Visit the office of General Manager, District Industries Centre (Thattanchavady, Puducherry - 605 009) on any working day during office hours and submit the completed application form.
STEP 4 - Once the application reaches the office, it is recorded in the receipt register and a unique identification number is given as acknowledgement. Keep this number safely for future reference.
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready before filling the form:
- Valid proof of age.
- Residence Certificate of Union Territory of Puducherry.
- Certificate or proof of practicing the craft for at least 5 years in Puducherry.
- Income Certificate showing total annual family income below ₹40,000.
- Signed declaration that no similar money help is received from any other source.
Renewal Rule
Beneficiaries need to renew their status every year to keep receiving the grant. The renewal confirms that the artisan still meets the scheme conditions, and it applies to the spouse pension as well. Without the yearly renewal, payment may stop, so it is better to complete renewal before the due date with help from the District Industries Centre office.
Contact and Support
For application status, renewal help, or any query, the best way is to contact the District Industries Centre, Puducherry through the official contact page. The department also has a Citizen Charter that lists the services and the time taken for each service, and a grievance redressal mechanism is available on the industries department website of Puducherry for complaints related to the scheme.
References
View Official Scheme Page | Monthly Grant to Old Crafts Persons (Pension) Details | Download Application Form | Contact District Industries Centre | Grievance Redressal
FAQ's
What is the main aim of this pension scheme?
This scheme pays a monthly pension of ₹2,000 to artisans aged 60 and above, in appreciation of their years of service to traditional handicrafts in Puducherry.
What happens if the beneficiary passes away?
If the craftsperson passes away, the surviving spouse can get ₹1,000 per month for life, subject to yearly renewal conditions.
What is the income limit to apply?
Total annual family income from all sources should not be more than ₹40,000 to qualify under the scheme.
Can an artisan living outside Puducherry apply?
No, the applicant must be a native or resident of Union Territory of Puducherry and should have practiced the craft there for at least 5 years.
How often does the pension need renewal?
Renewal is required every year to confirm the beneficiary still meets the scheme conditions and to continue receiving the grant.
Is the application process online or offline?
The application process is offline. The filled form with documents must be submitted at the District Industries Centre office in Puducherry.