A five-lens breakdown scored against your startup's profile — exactly where you win on this grant and where you fall short, so you know before you apply.
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
Select Marketing Assistance Scheme
Navigate to 'Department & Services', select 'Social Welfare Department', and choose 'Marketing Assistance Scheme'.
3
Complete Online Application
Click 'Apply Online', log in, and fill in personal, address, and banking details in the application form.
4
Application Submission & ID Generation
Upon submission, an Application ID is generated for tracking status.
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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Grant Amount upto ₹50,000 – ₹1LRolling
Check your eligibility
Create a free account and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Check your eligibility
Create a free account and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
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.
Quick Answer
A scheme by Karnataka Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd to empower SC leather artisans by procuring their products and marketing them through Lidkar Leather Emporia, providing financial assistance of ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per artisan.
The Marketing Assistance Scheme, implemented by Karnataka Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (Lidkar), a Government of Karnataka undertaking, is a crucial initiative designed to uplift Schedule Caste (SC) leather artisans across the state. The primary objective is to empower these traditional artisans by providing a structured and reliable market for their handcrafted leather products. Historically, many leather artisans have faced exploitation from private dealers, leading to unstable incomes and limited growth opportunities. This scheme directly addresses these challenges by offering a direct procurement channel, ensuring fair prices and consistent demand for their craftsmanship. By marketing their products through Lidkar Leather Emporia under the reputable Lidkar brand, artisans gain access to a broader customer base and enhanced brand visibility, which would otherwise be inaccessible to individual micro-entrepreneurs. The program fosters economic independence and preserves traditional leather craft skills within the SC community. It acts as a bridge between skilled artisans and consumers, promoting sustainable livelihoods and the cultural heritage associated with leather artistry.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Benefits & Funding
Amount
₹50,000 – ₹1 Lakhs
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.
