Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme provides financial support to traditional local artisans by offering a subsidy on clay idols made for religious festivals. This scheme aims to preserve the state's cultural heritage by helping registered craftsmen sustain their income and compete with low-cost alternatives while promoting handmade religious idols. For 2026, GHRSSIDC has invited fresh applications from eligible Goan clay idol makers under this scheme.
Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC) runs this program to keep the traditional art of clay idol making alive. It supports registered local craftsmen who make clay idols within Goa, especially for Ganesh Chaturthi and Christmas. The scheme also backs the state ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols by encouraging eco-friendly clay idols.
Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers Scheme 2026
For the 2026 round, the subsidy has been revised. Registered artisans now receive ₹200 per clay idol of a minimum height of one foot. The maximum number of idols eligible for subsidy is now 250 per artisan per year. This is a clear increase from the earlier subsidy of ₹100 per idol and a cap of 150 idols annually.
Applications for the 2026 round opened on 24 June and closed on 24 July. Interested artisans had to collect the application form from the GHRSSIDC Head Office at Patto, Panaji, or Aparant Emporium, Margao, by paying a fee of ₹50 per form. Subsidies are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alongside this, the Government of Goa has also launched a new scheme called Scheme for providing Clay Pugmill Machines for Clay Idol Makers, 2026. Under it, eligible artisans registered with GHRSSIDC get one clay pugmill machine free of cost once in their lifetime. The cost of each machine is capped at ₹35,000. This helps artisans process clay easily, cut manual labour, and make high quality idols.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme |
| Level | State |
| State | Goa |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual |
| Subsidy per idol | ₹200 |
| Maximum idols per artisan per year | 250 |
| Nodal Department | GHRSSIDC |
| Application Mode | Offline |
Benefits
Eligible artisans can get a steady cash benefit that helps them stay competitive in the market:
| Benefit Item | Amount |
| Subsidy per clay idol | ₹200 |
| Maximum idols per artisan per year | 250 |
| Total maximum annual benefit | ₹50,000 |
The subsidy applies only to clay idols of at least one foot in height that you have personally made and sold within Goa. Payment is released once the government clears the funds. You should keep proper sales records and provide proof of production and sales as asked by the authorities.
Eligibility
To get the benefit, you need to meet these conditions:
- You must be a traditional clay idol maker based in Goa.
- You should have a valid registration with GHRSSIDC as a clay idol manufacturer.
- You must personally make your idols inside Goa. Trading or importing idols from outside is not allowed.
- Your workshop or production unit must be located within Goa.
- The subsidy is for idols used for religious festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Christmas. Decorative and ornamental items do not qualify.
GHRSSIDC officials may also carry out physical inspections at your production site to verify your output.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Collect the prescribed application form. For the 2026 round, forms were available from 24 June to 24 July for ₹50 each at the GHRSSIDC Head Office at Patto, Panaji, and Aparant Emporium, Margao.
STEP 2 - Fill in the form carefully and complete all mandatory sections. Attach the required self-attested documents.
STEP 3 - Submit your completed application and documents to the Managing Director, GHRSSIDC Ltd., Panaji, Goa.
Post-Application Process - After submission, GHRSSIDC officials will visit your workshop to check production capacity and verify your stock of clay idols. An Appraisal Committee will then review your application and process it on a first-come, first-served basis.
Benefit Payment - After approval and fund release, you will get your subsidy by cheque. For any later releases of funds, you need to submit a utilization certificate.
Documents
Keep these documents ready to make the process smooth:
At the time of application: Proof of GHRSSIDC registration, sales invoices for reported idols, original purchase bills, the purchase register given by GHRSSIDC, an undertaking confirming you are the producer, proof of address, and photographs of your manufacturing facility.
For field verification: Your production and sales records (Proforma-B), your bill book with serialised triplicate bills, and clear access to your workshop for a physical count.
For subsidy payment: A utilization certificate and your bank account details for smooth cheque processing.
References
2026 Pugmill Machine Scheme Notification
2026 Application Details on Digital Goa
FAQ's
What is the subsidy amount per idol in 2026?
Registered artisans now receive ₹200 per clay idol of at least one foot in height.
How many idols can I claim in a year?
The subsidy applies to a maximum of 250 idols per artisan per year.
Can a person who imports or trades clay idols from outside Goa apply?
No, only idols personally produced within Goa by registered local artisans qualify.
If I make idols for decoration rather than religious use, can I get a subsidy?
No, the scheme supports only clay idols made for religious festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Christmas.
Is it mandatory to be registered before applying?
Yes, you must be registered with GHRSSIDC to be eligible.
Do I need a dedicated workspace to qualify?
Yes, you must own or operate a workshop or production unit within Goa.
How will I receive the payment?
The subsidy is paid to you by cheque once the government releases the funds.
What is the new pugmill machine scheme?
Under the Scheme for providing Clay Pugmill Machines for Clay Idol Makers, 2026, eligible artisans get one pugmill machine free of cost once in their lifetime, with each machine costing up to ₹35,000.
What records should I keep?
Keep a detailed register of idols produced and sold, noting the size, price, buyer information, and date of sale.
What if I provide incorrect information?
Submitting false data will lead to rejection of your claim and may disqualify you from future benefits.
Will there be an inspection of my workshop?
Yes, GHRSSIDC officials may visit your premises to verify your capacity and count your produced idols.
How are applications evaluated?
An Appraisal Committee including the Chairman, Managing Director, and government representatives reviews applications.
Is there a priority system if funds are limited?
Yes, applications are sanctioned on a first-come, first-served basis according to budget availability.