Marketing Assistance Scheme
By Karnataka State Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR)
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Quick Answer
Lidkar buys products from SC leather artisans in Karnataka and sells them through Lidkar Leather Emporia, with financial assistance of ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per artisan.
About this grant
Karnataka Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (Lidkar), a Government of Karnataka undertaking, buys products from Schedule Caste (SC) leather artisans and sells them through Lidkar Leather Emporia under the Lidkar brand. Each artisan benefits from procurement worth ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000. This is non-repayable and works like a grant through product purchase.
Products are typically procured once every 1-2 months, based on showroom demand. The scheme also gives marketing and display opportunities.
You must be a leather artisan aged 18 or older, from one of the listed SC sub-castes. Annual family income must not exceed ₹30,000 in rural areas or ₹25,000 in urban areas. You or your family must not have received benefits from other government schemes (excluding training programs), and no family member should work in a government or semi-government organization.
Eligibility
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Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹50,000 – ₹1L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
This scheme offers significant financial assistance to eligible SC leather artisans through product procurement. Each artisan can benefit from procurement worth ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000, enabling them to produce and sell their goods without the burden of finding independent buyers. This financial injection is non-repayable, functioning as a direct grant through product purchase. Beyond the monetary value, the scheme provides invaluable market access and branding support. Artisans' products are regularly procured (typically once every 1-2 months based on showroom demand) and sold through the established Lidkar Leather Emporia network, operating under the trusted 'Lidkar' brand. This includes marketing efforts and display opportunities, significantly boosting visibility and credibility for the artisans' products. The program also acts as an incubation support, helping artisans refine their product offerings and understand market dynamics through consistent demand signals from the Emporia.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Application Process
- 1
Register on Seva Sindhu Portal
Visit the Seva Sindhu Portal, register using Aadhaar, mobile number, and email, and create a DigiLocker account.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Marketing Assistance Scheme?
A: The scheme is open to leather artisans aged 18 years or older, belonging to specific Schedule Caste (SC) sub-castes such as Arundathiyar, Chammadiya, Chamar, Madar, Madiga, and others listed. Applicants' annual family income should not exceed ₹30,000 in rural areas or ₹25,000 in urban areas. Additionally, applicants or their family members should not have received benefits from other government schemes (excluding training programs) and should not be employed in government or semi-government organizations.
Q: What are the primary benefits offered under this scheme?
A: The scheme provides financial assistance through the regular procurement of leather products from artisans, with each artisan benefiting from procurement worth ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000. Beyond direct financial value, artisans gain significant market access, branding, and marketing support as their products are sold through Lidkar Leather Emporia under the established Lidkar brand. This ensures a consistent market and fair pricing, reducing exploitation by private dealers.
Q: How frequently will products be procured from the artisans?
A: Products will be procured regularly, typically once every 1-2 months, based on the demand observed at the Lidkar Leather Emporia and showrooms. This ensures a steady flow of income and a predictable market for the artisans' creations.
Q: What is the application process for the Marketing Assistance Scheme?
A: The application process is entirely online via the Seva Sindhu Portal. First, new users must register on the portal using their Aadhaar number, email, and mobile number. After registration, applicants can log in, select the "Social Welfare Department," find the "Marketing Assistance Scheme," and complete the online application form with personal, address, and banking details. An application ID will be provided for tracking purposes.
Q: Is there any specific deadline for applications?
A: The provided information does not specify a fixed deadline. Applications are processed through the Seva Sindhu Portal, which typically handles ongoing scheme applications.
Q: Are family members' incomes or employment considered during eligibility assessment?
A: Yes, the annual family income is a crucial eligibility criterion, with limits of ₹30,000 for rural areas and ₹25,000 for urban areas. Additionally, applicants are ineligible if any family member is employed in government or semi-government organizations.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
