Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme

Description
The scheme “Goa Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers Scheme” was launched by the Department of Industries, Government of Goa. The scheme aims to revive the traditional Goan cottage industry of clay idol making and motivate local artisans by providing financial support through subsidies. It addresses the decline of this art form due to competition from cheaper alternatives such as Plaster of Paris and polyfibre. The scheme provides a subsidy of ₹100/- per idol and grants up to ₹15,000/- per artisan annually. The applicant must be a traditional clay idol maker registered with the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited GHRSSIDC and must produce idols within Goa. The scheme is implemented through GHRSSIDC, and applications are accepted offline.

Exclusions
• Unsold idols are not eligible for subsidy.
• Idols used for decorative items are not eligible for subsidy.

Benefits
• Subsidy of ₹100/- per clay idol made by registered artisans, with minimum idol size of 1 foot.
• Maximum subsidy limit: ₹15,000/- per artisan per year.
• Applicable only for idols actually produced and sold within the State of Goa.
• Disbursement: Cheque in favour of the artisan after fund receipt from Government.
• Availment: Beneficiaries must maintain sale records and provide proof of production and sale as prescribed.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - The applicant must be a traditional clay idol maker or artisan from the State of Goa.
2. - The applicant must be registered with GHRSSIDC as a clay idol manufacturer.
3. - The applicant must personally manufacture idols within Goa; imported or traded idols are not eligible.
4. - The applicant must have a workshop or production unit within Goa for manufacturing idols such as Ganesh, Durga, Saraswati, or Mother Mary.
5. - The subsidy is applicable only for idols used for religious purposes (e.g., Ganesh Chaturthi, Christmas) and not for decorative items.
6. - The applicant must maintain records of idols produced and sold, including size, price, buyer details, and sale date.
7. - The applicant must comply with physical inspection by GHRSSIDC officials.
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Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form. Alternatively, the applicant may obtain the prescribed format from GHRSSIDC, Craft Complex, Neugi Nagar, Panaji, North Goa, Goa - 403 001, up…
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form. Alternatively, the applicant may obtain the prescribed format from GHRSSIDC, Craft Complex, Neugi Nagar, Panaji, North Goa, Goa - 403 001, upon payment of ₹1/- per form.

Step 2: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
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Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the Managing Director, GHRSSIDC Ltd., Panaji-Goa.
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Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the Managing Director, GHRSSIDC Ltd., Panaji-Goa.

Step 4: Step 1: GHRSSIDC officials will physically inspect the applicant’s workshop to verify production capacity and conduct a physical count of clay idols in the artisan’s presence.
Offline
Step 1: GHRSSIDC officials will physically inspect the applicant’s workshop to verify production capacity and conduct a physical count of clay idols in the artisan’s presence.

Step 5: Step 2: An Appraisal Committee consisting of the Chairman, Managing Director, a nominated Director, and a Government representative will review applications for approval on a first come, first served basis.
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Upon approval, subsidy payment is issued via cheque in favour of the registered artisan after receiving funds from the Government.
Beneficiaries must maintain sales records and submit the utilisation certificate for subsequent releases.

Required Documents
• Proof of Registration with GHRSSIDC.
• Proof of Sale of Idols (e.g., buyer receipts or invoices).
• Original Bills for Idols Sold.
• Purchase Register allotted by GHRSSIDC.
• Undertaking affirming idols were personally produced and sold.
• Address Proof of Applicant.
• Photographs of Manufacturing Facility and Applicant (as per Proforma-C).
• Records of Idols Produced and Sold (Proforma-B).
• Bill Book with Triplicate Serially Numbered Bills.
• Access to Workshop for Physical Count and Verification by GHRSSIDC Officials.
• Utilisation Certificate (for release of balance subsidy).
• Bank Details for Cheque Issuance.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a person who imports or trades clay idols from outside Goa apply for the subsidy benefit?
A: Only those idols actually produced within Goa by registered local artisans are eligible. Imported or traded idols are completely excluded from subsidy coverage.
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Q: If an artisan creates idols for decoration rather than for religious use, can those idols get subsidised?
A: No. The scheme strictly covers only clay idols made for religious festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Christmas. Decorative or aesthetic idols are not eligible.
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Q: Is it mandatory for an artisan to be officially registered before applying for the subsidy?
A: Yes. The artisan must be registered with the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC) to qualify.
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Q: Does the artisan need to have a dedicated workspace or unit to make idols for the subsidy?
A: Yes. The applicant must possess his or her own workshop or production unit located within Goa to be eligible under the scheme.
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Q: How much monetary assistance can a registered artisan receive through this subsidy each year?
A: Each eligible artisan can receive up to ₹15,000/- as total annual subsidy, subject to the number of idols produced and sold.
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Q: What is the per-idol subsidy amount provided to the eligible artisan?
A: A subsidy of ₹100/- per clay idol of at least 1-foot height is granted to registered artisans.
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Q: Are unsold idols eligible for financial support under this scheme?
A: No. The subsidy is applicable only for idols that have been actually sold. Unsold idols are not covered.
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Q: How are subsidy payments made to the artisans once their applications are approved?
A: The approved subsidy amount is paid by cheque drawn in favour of the registered artisan after receipt of funds from the Government.
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Q: What kind of records must artisans maintain to claim and continue receiving subsidy benefits?
A: Applicants must maintain detailed records of idols produced and sold, including size, rate, buyer’s name, address, and sale date in the prescribed proforma.
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Q: What happens if an artisan provides false information in the subsidy application or sales record?
A: Any applicant found submitting incorrect or false information will have their subsidy claim rejected and be rendered ineligible for further benefits.
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Q: Is there a limit on the number of idols for which subsidy can be claimed each year?
A: Yes. An artisan can claim a subsidy for a maximum of 150 idols per year under the scheme.
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Q: Are there any inspections conducted before approving the subsidy claim?
A: Yes. Officials of GHRSSIDC visit the artisan’s workshop to verify production capacity and conduct a physical count of clay idols in the artisan’s presence.
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Q: How are applications evaluated once they are received by GHRSSIDC?
A: All applications are scrutinised by an Appraisal Committee comprising the Chairman, Managing Director, one nominated Director of GHRSSIDC, and a Government representative.
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Q: If the budget allocation is limited, how are eligible artisans prioritised for receiving subsidy?
A: The subsidy is sanctioned on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the availability of funds under the scheme.
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