Himachal Pradesh Handicraft and Handloom Development Schemes

Himachal Pradesh is known for the home to a rich legacy of handicrafts and handlooms that reflect the traditional culture and the skilled artisans. To preserve the traditional art and to empowers the artisans of the state. The Himachal Pradesh along with the central government has launched the various Himachal Handicraft and Handloom Schemes.

In this guide we will cover the top Handicraft and handloom development schemes and programs in Himachal Pradesh. Along with their benefits, and how you can apply for the schemes.

Why Handicrafts and Handlooms Schemes important in Himachal Pradesh

Handlooms and Handicrafts are very important for Himachal Pradesh as it is full of traditions and culture Handicrafts and Handlooms provides the following benefits:

1. Provides Employments to the rural artisans 
2. Promoting the traditional crafts like Kullu Shawls, Chamba Rumal, Pahari paintings, Pahari caps and many more.
3. Helps in boosting the local economy by encouraging the export and tourism 

To keep this traditional arts alive the state and central government has launched various schemes to provide financial support, training, and market access to the artisans.

Top Handicraft and Handloom Development Schemes in Himachal Pradesh

1. Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handlooms Corporation (HPSHHC)

The main objective of this scheme is to provide the artisans proper trainings and support with the raw materials,and market access. The benefits of the scheme are as follow:

1. Organises the Handicraft fairs and exhibitions to promote the Handicraft in the state.
2. Provides loans and Financial support to the artisans who are in need.
3. Offer the different workshops and design trainings to the artisans to enhance their skills.

2. National Handloom Development Programme(NHDP)

This scheme is initiated by the government  with the objective of helping the artisans with enhancing their design, technology and Business skills. The main benefits of the scheme are:

1. Provides Up to ₹1 lakh Financial aid for handloom clusters.
2. Provides them modern tools and machinery. To increase the efficiency of working and the quality of work.
3. Giving the artisans the knowledge of the industry and the markets to export. So that they can get the best price for their art.

3. Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHDS)

To increase the productivity of the large handloom clusters the government has initiated the Comprehensive Cluster Development Scheme and benefits of this scheme are as follows:

1. Provides the Funds of ₹40-₹70 crore for the development of the mega handloom clusters covering at least 15000-25000 handlooms over period of 5 years.
2. Enhances the infrastructure and support to increase the branding of the handlooms.
3. Offers the Digital marketing trainings the Artisans to increase their market reach.  

4. Yarn Supply Scheme (YSS) :

Yarn supply scheme is the initiative by the government of Himachal Pradesh Ensures the artisians get high-quality raw material at affordable prices. The main benefits of the scheme are:

10% subsidy on the yarn prices.
Free transportation for raw material.
Reduce the Production costs for artisians.

Step-by-step Guide to apply for Handicraft Schemes:

Follow this steps to apply for goverment schemes and boost your handicraft business with the help of the goverment schemes and support:

1. Check Eligibility– Visit the official website like HPSHHC to see the eligibility criteria and check that you met them all.
2. Gather the documents: Collect all the necessary document required for applying the schemes like Aadhar card, Artisan id card, and bank details.
3. Apply online or Offline: You can submit your application through the online government portal and or you can submit your application in your nearest handicraft centre.
4. Attend Training and Workshop: Enroll in the skill development training programs to improve your craft and enhance your skills.
5. Sell Your Product Online: Use government e-commerce Platform, international Exhibition and you can create your online platform for selling the products.

Read more about Best MSME Support Schemes and Funding for Young Entrepreneurs in HP

Sucess Stories: Artisans Benefiting from these schemes

Neha Sharma Kullu Shawl Weaver:

Neha Sharma From Kullu enrolled in the NHDP training and Learned new skill and design and started selling globally and gaining a good profit from her business.

Ramesh Verma, Chamba Rumal Artist:

“The Handloom Corporation helped me get better raw material at lower cost”

Why this schemes matters?

Himachal Pradesh Handloom and handicraft development schemes ensure the traditional arts of the state flourish in the modern world. By providing the artist financial support, training, and marketing opportunities, these initiatives will help artisians to build their sustainable business.