Award Scheme to Encourage Entrepreneurs - Uttarakhand

Description
The “Award Scheme to Encourage Entrepreneurs” is implemented by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises MSMEs Department under the Department of Industries, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme aims to recognize exceptional craftsmanship among registered artisans and weavers in Uttarakhand by encouraging innovation, creativity, and excellence in the handicrafts and handloom sectors through state and district-level awards.

Benefits
• ***Nature of the Award:***
• ***1. State Level Award***
• **For the best artisans in the handicraft sector:**
• First Prize: ₹15,000/-
• Second Prize: ₹10,000/-
• Third Prize: ₹7,000/-
• ***For the best weavers in the handloom (cotton and woolen) sector:***
• First Prize: ₹15,000/-
• Second Prize: ₹10,000/-
• Third Prize: ₹7,000/-
• ***2. District Level Award***
• **For the best artisans in the handicraft sector:**
• First Prize: ₹6,000/-
• Second Prize: ₹4,000/-
• ***For the best weavers in the handloom (cotton and woolen) sector:***
• First Prize: ₹6,000/-
• Second Prize: ₹4,000/-
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Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant must be a registered artisan or weaver, or an industry registered as Handloom Weaver/Handicraftsman under the Directorate of Industries, Uttarakhand, or the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts/Handloom), Government of India.
2. The applicant must be an individual artisan or weaver belonging to a registered handicraft or handloom cooperative society, or a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) within the state of Uttarakhand to be eligible for the award.
3. The artisan’s/weaver’s cooperative society or institution must not be a loan defaulter with any department or bank.
4. An artisan/weaver who has already received an award cannot apply again for the next three consecutive years.
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Required Documents
• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Handicraft/Weaving-related documents (proof of work, registration, etc.)
• Photographs of the products or work samples
• Relevant certificates or recognitions, if any
• Demand Draft of ₹50/- payable in favour of the General Manager, District Industries Centre

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply for this award?
A: Individual artisans and weavers who are registered with handicraft/handloom cooperatives or registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Uttarakhand are eligible to apply.
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Q: Are there any specific registration requirements?
A: Yes. The applicant must be a registered Handloom Weaver or Handicraftsman under the Directorate of Industries, Uttarakhand or under the Development Commissioner (Handlooms/Handicrafts), Government of India.
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Q: Can artisans or weavers who have taken departmental or bank loans apply?
A: Yes, they can apply only if their cooperative/institution is not a defaulter on any departmental or bank loan.
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Q: What are the prize amounts for the State Level Awards?
A: For both Handicraft and Handloom sectors:

- First Prize – ₹15,000/-
- Second Prize – ₹10,000/-
- Third Prize – ₹7,000/-

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Q: What are the prize amounts for the District Level Awards?
A: For both Handicraft and Handloom sectors:

- First Prize – ₹6,000/-
- Second Prize – ₹4,000/-

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Q: Can an artisan or weaver receive the award more than once?
A: No. Once awarded, the artisan or weaver cannot be considered again for the next three consecutive years.
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Q: From where can the application form be obtained?
A: Application forms can be obtained from the office of the General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) or downloaded from the departmental website [https://doi.uk.org](https://doi.uk.gov.in/).
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Q: Where should the completed application form be submitted?
A: The completed form must be submitted through the General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) of the concerned district by the prescribed due date.
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