Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans (ASHA)
By Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala
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Quick Answer
The ASHA scheme by the Government of Kerala offers one-time grant assistance up to ₹3 lakh to eligible handicraft artisans for setting up or developing their micro-enterprises.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹3L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Kerala
- Registrations needed
- Udyam registration
About this grant
The Government of Kerala has launched the “Assistance Scheme for Handicraft Artisans (ASHA)” to provide crucial financial support to artisans operating in the state's vibrant handicrafts sector. This initiative offers grants for setting up and enhancing handicraft enterprises, aiming to streamline existing support mechanisms under a single comprehensive scheme. An artisan, for the purpose of this scheme, is defined as a person recognized by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Govt. of India, or by state-level organizations such as SURABHI, KSBC, KADCO, HDCK, and KELPALM, who has also taken concrete steps to establish an enterprise in the handicrafts domain.
Objectives of the ASHA Scheme:
- To extend extensive support to skilled artisans within the handicrafts sector, facilitating the establishment and growth of handicrafts-based micro-enterprises.
- To deliver a one-time grant as back-end financial assistance to eligible artisans across the State, enabling them to invest in their business infrastructure and development.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹3L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The ASHA scheme provides substantial financial backing for handicraft artisans. General Category artisans can receive 40% of their Fixed Capital Investment, capped at ₹2.00 lakh. For Young (18-45 years), Women, and SC/ST artisans, the assistance is enhanced to 50% of the Fixed Capital Investment, limited to ₹3.00 lakh. This one-time grant covers essential expenditures such as the construction of work sheds or workshops, procurement of tools, equipment, and machinery, electrification costs, and support for technology integration, product development, and design improvements. The entire approved assistance is disbursed in a single installment upon approval, providing immediate liquidity for enterprise setup and growth.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications submitted through the online portal will undergo an initial screening to ensure all eligibility criteria are met and required documentation is complete. The recommending/sanctioning authority will review the submitted details. Applicants may be requested to provide clarifications or further details as needed. Physical inspection or verification of enterprise details, including tools, equipment, and other assets, may also be conducted. Final approval will be based on the assessment by the sanctioning authority, followed by the execution of a legal agreement for the disbursement of assistance.
Application Process
- 1
Visit Online Portal
Applicant visits the official Directorate of Industries & Commerce website to access the scheme.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
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 ASHA scheme?
The main objective of the ASHA scheme is to provide extensive financial support in the form of grants to artisans in the handicrafts sector for setting up and developing handicrafts-based micro-enterprises in Kerala. It aims to offer one-time back-end assistance.
Who is considered an eligible artisan under this scheme?
An eligible artisan is a person categorized as such by the office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Govt. of India, or by state-level bodies like SURABHI, KSBC, KADCO, HDCK, KELPALM, and who has taken effective steps to set up an enterprise in the handicrafts sector.
What is the maximum grant amount available?
The maximum grant amount is ₹3.00 lakh for Young (18-45 years), Women, and SC/ST artisans. For General Category artisans, the assistance is limited to ₹2.00 lakh. These amounts cover a percentage of the fixed capital investment.
What kind of expenses does the grant cover?
The grant covers fixed capital investments, including the construction of work sheds/workshops, the cost of tools, equipment, machinery and accessories, electrification, and support for technology, product development, and design initiatives for handicraft enterprises.
Is Udyog Aadhaar registration mandatory for eligibility?
Yes, Micro Enterprises engaged in the handicraft sector must have either filed an Entrepreneurs Memorandum Part-II with the District Industries Centre or possess Udyog Aadhaar registration to be eligible for assistance under the scheme.
How will the assistance be disbursed?
The assistance under the 'ASHA' scheme will be released to the eligible artisan in a single installment, ensuring prompt financial support for their enterprise.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
