Team Production Award is a state-level scheme by the Tamil Nadu government that honors artisan groups who come together to produce handicraft items. Every year, three teams are chosen and given a cash prize of ₹40,000, a 4 gram gold medal, a Thamirapattiram and a certificate.
Handicraft items are usually made by a team of artisans, and it is often hard to single out one person for an award. To fix this, the Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department of Tamil Nadu introduced the Team Production Award to reward groups who work together. Applications for the 2026-27 award were released in July 2026 through the official Poompuhar website.
Team Production Award - Introduction
Team Production Award is run by the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (TNHDC), commonly known as Poompuhar. The scheme celebrates teamwork among local artisans by rewarding high quality handicraft production done through group effort. Every year, three exemplary groups are selected to receive a cash prize of ₹40,000, a 4 gram gold medal, a Thamirapattiram and a formal certificate. The total cost of the award comes to about ₹3.75 lakh every year.
Applications for the 2026-27 award were released in July 2026 on the official Poompuhar website. The application form is a single document in which each member of the team fills in their details, including the Poompuhar Identity Card number, address and craft details. As per the 2026-27 circular, the last date for submission was 30 July 2026.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Team Production Award |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Tamil Nadu |
| Nodal Department | Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department |
| Cash Prize | ₹40,000 |
| Gold Medal | 4 grams |
| Number of Teams | 3 groups every year |
| Application Mode | Offline through Poompuhar |
| Official Website | tnhdc.poompuhar.com |
Benefits
Winning groups receive the following appreciation for their hard work:
| Item | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cash Prize | ₹40,000 |
| Gold Medal | 4 grams |
| Commemorative Reward | One Thamirapattiram |
| Appreciation | Formal Certificate |
Eligibility
To qualify for this honor, a group must meet the following criteria:
- The group must be based in Tamil Nadu and registered as practitioners or manufacturers of handicrafts within the state.
- The application is open to groups that have more than two artisans as formal members. For example, if Ramesh and Suresh work together, they are eligible, but if they add Anita to the team, the group stays eligible because it has more than two members.
- The specific craft piece submitted must be produced through the joint effort of the group members rather than by one person alone.
- Groups that have already received the Team Production Award in an earlier year cannot apply again for the same award.
Application Process
The award is applied for offline through the Poompuhar offices. Official advertisements and application forms are usually released in June or July each year.
STEP 1 - Download the Team Production Award application form 2026-27 from the official Poompuhar website and print it out.
STEP 2 - Fill in all required information carefully. Each member must give their Poompuhar Identity Card number, address, craft details and other personal information. Attach a passport sized photograph and self attested copies of the required documents for every member.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application during office hours to the Head Office through the Poompuhar Sales and Manufacturing Plant Managers. The application must be supported by an affidavit on a non judicial stamp paper of ₹100 and a recommendation certificate from the Poompuhar Outlet Managers or the relevant Assistant Directors.
STEP 4 - Always request a formal acknowledgment or receipt from the official receiving the documents. This should include the date, time and, if available, a unique submission number.
Note - The application form clearly asks each member to state that they have not received the Team Production Award earlier. Members who have won this award before are not allowed to take part again.
Documents
Please prepare the following documents for the application:
- Passport size photographs of all members.
- Valid address proof for each member.
- Aadhaar Card copies of all members.
- Front page of the bank passbook for each member.
- Clear photographs of the finished craft item.
- Photographs from exhibitions attended by group members, if applicable.
- An affidavit on a non judicial stamp paper of ₹100 as a joint group undertaking.
- A recommendation certificate attested by the Managers of Poompuhar Outlets, Manufacturing Plants or authorized Assistant Directors under the Office of the Development Commissioner, New Delhi.
References
For further details, the following official resources can be used:
- Team Production Award Application 2026-27
- Poompuhar News on Team Production Award 2026-27
- TNHDC Schemes and Welfare
FAQ's
What is the purpose of the Team Production Award scheme?
The scheme recognizes and rewards artisan groups in Tamil Nadu for their joint effort in creating unique handicraft items.
How many groups receive the Team Production Award each year?
Three deserving artisan groups are selected every year for this award.
What are the prizes awarded to each winning group?
Winners receive a cash prize of ₹40,000, a 4 gram gold medal, a Thamirapattiram and a certificate.
Who can apply for the Team Production Award?
Any craft group based in Tamil Nadu that has more than two artisans as formal members can apply.
Where does an applicant apply for the Team Production Award?
The application is submitted offline through the Poompuhar Sales and Manufacturing Plant Managers.
What is the main condition for the craft submitted for the award?
The craft must be genuinely produced by the applying group of artisans as a team.
When is the application for the award usually released?
Applications are typically released in June or July each year. The 2026-27 application was released in July 2026.
Can a group that already won the award apply again?
No, groups that have already received the Team Production Award in an earlier year cannot apply again.
What documents related to the members are needed for the application?
Passport size photographs, address proof, Aadhaar cards and the front page of bank passbooks are needed for all involved members.
Is participation in exhibitions mandatory for group members?
No, participation in exhibitions is not a mandatory requirement for this award.
Who can provide the recommendation certificate?
The recommendation can be provided by Poompuhar Outlet Managers, manufacturing plant managers or relevant Assistant Directors from the Office of the Development Commissioner.
Can applicants from outside Tamil Nadu apply?
No, this scheme is strictly for artisan groups based in Tamil Nadu.
How should members describe their roles in the production in the application?
Each member should clearly document their name and the specific work they contributed to the production process.
What is the responsibility of Poompuhar Sales and Manufacturing Plant Managers?
They act as the official channel for collecting and processing applicant submissions.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
There is no specific age limit, provided all applicants meet the general eligibility criteria stated in the advertisement.