Handicraft Rebate Scheme

Handicraft Rebate Scheme (हैंडक्राफ्ट रिबेट स्कीम)

The Handicraft Rebate Scheme, initiated by the Gujarat Government’s Commissioner of Cottage and Rural Industries, is designed to bolster the financial stability of artisans and cooperatives in the handicraft sector. This initiative provides significant rebates on sales of handicraft products, particularly benefitting women-led cooperatives and seasonal sales during festivals.

Overview of the Scheme

The Handicraft Rebate Scheme aims to enhance the economic prospects of artisans by offering rebates on their sales. With a permanent rebate of 5% on retail sales, artisans can also avail an additional 10% during festival seasons, which raises the total rebate for women-led cooperatives to an impressive 20%. The scheme is managed through the e-Kutir portal, employing an e-voucher system to ensure transparency in toolkit distribution and rebate processing, thereby supporting industrial cooperatives, apex societies, and enhancing artisan welfare.

Key Benefits

• Permanent Rebate: A fixed 5% rebate on retail sales of handicraft items.
• Increased Rebate for Women-Led Cooperatives: A total rebate of 15% on general cooperatives and up to 20% for women-led groups.
• Special Festival Rebate: An additional 10% rebate applicable for 120 days during festival periods.
• Targeted Support: Enhanced financial benefits for artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes/Tribes and those classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL).

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be a registered cooperative society, apex institution, or a women-led group.
• The applicant should produce handicrafts as part of their business operations.
• A prior rebate certification must be obtained from the Commissionerate.

Application Process

To apply for the Handicraft Rebate Scheme, follow these detailed steps:

Online Application Procedure

New Registration Steps

1. Visit the eKutir portal. In the right pane of the landing page, click on “For New Individual Registration, click Here”.
2. On the registration page, fill in all mandatory fields (marked with an asterisk): Full Name (in English), Aadhaar Card Number, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, E-mail, and Password (confirm the password by re-entering it). Complete the Captcha Code and click “Register”.
3. A confirmation pop-up will display your entered details. If everything is correct, click “Confirm”. If incorrect, click “Cancel”, make the necessary adjustments, and then click “Register” again.
4. Upon successful registration, your User ID and Password will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS, and if an email address was provided, you will also receive the credentials via email.

Login Procedure and Profile Update Steps

1. Return to the eKutir portal. In the “Login to Portal” section, enter your User ID, Password, and Captcha Code, then click “Login”.
2. Upon your first login, complete the “User Profile” by providing both personal and organizational details. Mandatory fields are marked with an asterisk and some fields may be pre-filled based on your registration information.

Steps for Applying to the Scheme

1. After logging in and completing your profile, the homepage will show schemes relevant to you. Click on the scheme you wish to apply for to access the online application form.
2. Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form and upload the required documents in the specified format and size. Ensure to enter the document number for each uploaded document. Click “Save & Next” to proceed through the tabs.
3. Review all provided information and uploaded documents carefully. Make necessary corrections and acknowledge the terms and conditions by ticking the designated checkbox.
4. Clicking “Save & Next” on the final tab will generate an application number visible on your screen. Record this number for future reference, and you may print the application if desired. If you wish to discontinue at that moment, you can click “Cancel”.

Application Printing and Modifications

If you want to print your application, click on “Print Application.” If the application requires modifications, a “Modify” button will appear, allowing you to edit and resubmit.

Helpdesk and Grievance Redressal

For assistance, contact:

• Phone: 9909926280 / 9909926180
• District Industries Centre (DIC) of your respective district.

Check Application Status

To check the status of your application, visit the Application Status page. Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth, then click “View Status”.

For more information, you can visit the official website: myScheme.gov.in.