Infrastructure and Technology Support

Description
The sub-scheme “Infrastructure and Technology Support” aims to develop world-class infrastructure in the country to support handicraft production, enhance product quality, and reduce costs to enable it to compete in the global market. For the development of the handicrafts sector and benefit of handicrafts artisans, various components like Urban Haat, Emporia, Marketing and Sourcing Hub, Handicraft Museum, Craft-Based Resource Centre, Common Facility Centre, Raw Material Depot, Crafts Village etc. The objective of this component is to setup a permanent marketing infrastructure in towns/ metropolitan cities to provide direct marketing facilities to the handicrafts artisans/handloom weavers.

Benefits
• Financial assistance and funding pattern: 
• The financial ceiling for urban haat is maximum INR 800 lakh for each unit for 80 stalls.
• 40% of the admissible amount shall be borne by the O/o the DC(H) and DC(Hl) each and 20% will be contributed by the state implementing agency.
• Land will be provided by state govt and will be over and above the 20 % contribution by the implementing agency. 
• In case of NER, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh – 45 % of the admissible amount will be borne by the O/o the DC (HC) and DC (HL) each and 10% shall be contributed by the implementing agency.
• Assistance will also be given for strengthening/renovation of existing Urban Haats subject to a maximum financial limit of INR 250 lakhs (90% assistance will be borne by the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) & DC(Hl)and 10% by state.
• Note- The financial assistance will be based on the number of stalls, land area & other deliverables in proportionate manner. The PAMC shall comprise DC (HC), ADC (HC), ADC(HL), representative of IFW and representative of State Implementing agency.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - Eligible Local statutory bodies, Apex Cooperative Societies, and National level Apex Societies (registered under the Society Act/Trust Act, etc.) 
2. - Producer Company supported by O/O DC Handicrafts.
3. - Only implementing agencies with a minimum audited annual turnover of Rs. 1.5 Cr in the last three consecutive years will be eligible for implementation of infrastructure projects. However, this provision shall not be applied in the case of Central/State or state government agencies as an Implementing Agency (IA).

Application Process
Step 1: The proposals would be invited through advertisement on the official website. The proposals in the prescribed proforma along with all the (self-attested) supporting documents in hard copy should reach the concerned Handicraft Service Center (HSC),…
Online

The proposals would be invited through advertisement on the official website. The proposals in the prescribed proforma along with all the (self-attested) supporting documents in hard copy should reach the concerned Handicraft Service Center (HSC), O/o the DC (HC) in time.
NOTE 1: The proposal sent earlier without any invitation or received after the timeline/last date, mentioned above, will not be entertained.
NOTE 2: Incomplete proposals without the mandatory enclosures and proposals that are not clearly recommended and received after the due date will not be considered.

Required Documents
• Proposal in prescribed proforma.
• Recommendation letter of Field office/Regional Office.
• Valid Registration Certificate.
• Article & Memorandum of Association.
• Bye-Laws.
• Three years Balance Sheet & audited statement of accounts.
• Annual Report of last Year.
• Affidavit in respect of Non-Corrupt Practice and validity of Registration.
• Land ownership document/ Lease agreement for the proposed project/Detailed Project Report.
• Feasibility report of the project to be certified by a scheduled commercial bank.
• Construction plan and cost estimate duly authenticated by Architect/ Chartered Engineer.
• Third-party assessment report from a recognized Chartered Engineer/ technical valuer for equipment/ machines to be installed
• Undertaking that balance of the total cost to be borne by the implementing agency, along with escalated cost, if any.
• Any other documents mentioned in Proforma/ desired by the competent authority.
• Monthly Performance Report/ Performance cum Achievement Report (as applicable) with photographs.
• Verification report (Gist of expenditure) with the mode of payment from concerned Asst. Director, Handicrafts Service Centre/Field formation
• Utilization Certification in GFR 12A duly verified/certified by Chartered Accountant with membership No. and countersigned by Implementing Agency.
• An audited statement of accounts and statement of expenditure duly verified/certified by Chartered Accountant with membership No. and countersigned by Implementing Agency.
• An inspection report from the concerned AD of the field office.
• Any other documents desired by the competent authority.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Infrastructure and Technology Support scheme?
A: It is a sub-scheme under the NHDP that aims to build world-class infrastructure to support handicraft production, improve product quality, reduce costs, and enhance global competitiveness for Indian artisans.

Q: What are the main components supported under this scheme?
A: The scheme supports the creation of:

- Urban Haats
- Craft-Based Resource Centres
- Raw Material Depots
- Common Facility Centres
- Emporia
- Marketing and Sourcing Hubs
- Craft Villages
- Handicraft Museums

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Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: The following agencies are eligible:

- Local statutory bodies
- Apex Cooperative Societies
- National-level Apex Societies registered under the Societies/Trust Act
- Producer companies supported by the Office of DC (Handicrafts)
- Implementing agencies with a minimum annual audited turnover of ₹1.5 Cr in the last 3 years (not applicable to central/state government agencies)

Q: What is the financial assistance pattern under this scheme?
A: 1. For Urban Haats: ₹800 lakh max per unit (for 80 stalls)
1. Cost sharing:


- 40% by DC (Handicrafts), 40% by DC (Handlooms), 20% by state agency
- In NER, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Ladakh: 45% each by DC (HC) and DC (HL), 10% by state agency
- Land to be provided by the state government (not part of the 20% share)

Q: What is the assistance available for renovation of existing Urban Haats?
A: Up to ₹250 lakh, with:

- 90% borne by DC (HC) and DC (HL)
- 10% by the state government or implementing agency

Q: What is the application process?
A: Applications must be submitted online and in hard copy:

- In the prescribed proforma
- Along with self-attested documents
- To the nearest Handicrafts Service Centre (HSC) within the deadline

Q: What documents are required for fresh proposals?
A: Some of the key documents include:

- Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- Valid registration certificate and MoA
- Last 3 years&#39; audited balance sheets
- Affidavit of non-corrupt practices
- Land ownership/lease documents
- Architect-certified construction plan
- Feasibility report from a scheduled bank
- Third-party equipment assessment report
- Undertaking of cost balance coverage by the applicant agency

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Q: What are the documents required for reimbursement proposals?
A: - Monthly/achievement performance reports with photos
- Utilization certificate (GFR 12A)
- Audited expenditure statement
- Inspection report by AD, HSC
- Verification of expenses and payment modes

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Q: What self-certifications are needed?
A: Applicants must declare:

- No duplication or financial aid from other sources
- Understanding of scheme guidelines
- Possession of necessary infrastructure
- No blacklisting or corrupt practices
- No pending Utilization Certificates with DC (Handicrafts)

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Q: Who approves the project proposals and financial aid?
A: The Project Approval and Monitoring Committee (PAMC) evaluates and approves proposals. It includes:

- DC (Handicrafts)
- ADC (Handicrafts)
- ADC (Handlooms)
- IFW representative
- Representative of the concerned State Implementing Agency

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