Handicraft Rebate Scheme
By Cottage and Rural Industries Department, Government of Gujarat
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Quick Answer
The Handicraft Rebate Scheme by the Government of Gujarat offers financial rebates on handicraft sales to support artisans, cooperatives, and women-led groups, fostering market competitiveness and artisan welfare.
About this subsidy
The "Handicraft Rebate Scheme," initiated by the Commissioner of Cottage and Rural Industries, Government of Gujarat, is a crucial initiative designed to bolster the handicraft sector and uplift the livelihoods of artisans across the state. This scheme aims to provide significant financial relief and market incentives to industrial cooperatives, apex societies, and various women-led groups engaged in handicraft production.
At its core, the scheme offers a permanent rebate of 5% on retail sales of handicrafts, ensuring consistent support for the artisans. Recognizing the importance of festive seasons for sales, an additional 10% special rebate is provided during these periods, effectively boosting total rebates to 15% for general cooperatives. For women-led cooperatives, the support is even more robust, with a permanent rebate of 15% and a total of 20% during festivals.
Implemented through the user-friendly e-Kutir portal, the scheme champions transparency and efficiency. The e-voucher system facilitates seamless toolkit distribution and direct rebate disbursement, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring that benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries promptly. By enhancing the market competitiveness of Gujarati handicrafts and improving the welfare of its talented artisans, this scheme plays a vital role in preserving traditional crafts and empowering rural industries.
Eligibility
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Subsidy providers
Benefits & Funding
What You Get
The Handicraft Rebate Scheme offers substantial financial advantages to eligible artisans and cooperatives in Gujarat:
- Permanent Rebate: A foundational 5% rebate is provided on all retail sales of handicraft items, ensuring continuous support. Women-led cooperatives receive an enhanced permanent rebate of 15%.
- Special Festival Rebate: During designated festive periods, an additional 10% rebate is offered. This means general cooperatives can avail a total of 15%, while women-led cooperatives benefit from a total rebate of 20% for 120 days.
- Targeted Financial Support: The scheme provides enhanced rebates specifically for artisans from Scheduled Castes/Tribes and those classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL), aiming for inclusive growth and upliftment.
- Streamlined Disbursement: Rebates are disbursed transparently and efficiently through an e-voucher system via the e-Kutir portal, ensuring direct access to funds.
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications for the Handicraft Rebate Scheme are processed through the e-Kutir portal. Once an application is submitted, it undergoes a review by the Commissionerate of Cottage and Rural Industries, Government of Gujarat. The assessment focuses on verifying the applicant's eligibility, the authenticity of the handicraft production, and the accuracy of submitted documentation, including the prior rebate certification. Upon successful verification, the rebate entitlements are processed for disbursement via the e-voucher system.
Application Process
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Register on e-Kutir
Create a new individual account on the e-Kutir portal by providing personal and contact details.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
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Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
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Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of the Handicraft Rebate Scheme?
The scheme aims to support artisans and cooperatives in Gujarat by providing financial rebates on the sale of handicrafts, enhancing their market competitiveness, and improving artisan welfare, especially for women-led groups and marginalized communities.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
The scheme is open to registered cooperative societies, apex institutions, and women-led groups that are actively engaged in handicraft production in Gujarat. Applicants must also obtain prior rebate certification from the Commissionerate.
What are the rebate percentages offered by the scheme?
The scheme offers a permanent rebate of 5% on retail sales, increasing to 15% for women-led cooperatives. During festivals, an additional 10% special rebate is provided, leading to a total of 15% for general cooperatives and 20% for women-led groups for 120 days. Enhanced rebates are also available for Scheduled Castes/Tribes and BPL artisans.
How do I apply for the Handicraft Rebate Scheme?
Applications are submitted online through the e-Kutir portal. The process involves new individual registration, updating your user profile with personal and organizational details, and then filling out the scheme-specific online application form, uploading mandatory documents, and submitting it electronically.
Is there a specific deadline to apply?
The scheme operates on a rolling basis without a specific application deadline. Applicants can register and apply through the e-Kutir portal whenever they meet the eligibility criteria and wish to avail the rebates.
What kind of support is provided beyond the financial rebate?
Beyond the direct financial rebates, the scheme provides a platform for artisans to gain market access and formalize their operations through online registration. The e-Kutir portal facilitates transparent interaction with the Commissionerate and supports the overall ecosystem for cottage and rural industries.
