Handicraft Mela Participation Scheme — Subsidised Mela Stalls for Artisans
A Gujarat government scheme run through iNDEXT-C that gives the state's artisans and craft organisations free or heavily subsidised stalls, promotion and logistics support at state and national-level handicraft melas. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Handicraft Mela Participation Scheme is a Gujarat government programme that solves a very practical problem for craftspersons: finding buyers. It is run by the Industries and Mines Department and delivered through the Industrial Extension Cottage, better known as iNDEXT-C. Instead of handing out a lump sum, the scheme absorbs the cost and hassle of exhibiting at handicraft fairs so that artisans can put their work in front of real customers.
Two kinds of applicants are served. Individual craftspersons apply on their own identity and craft — they must live in Gujarat, hold a valid Artisan ID Card issued by iNDEXT-C or another recognised authority, and practise a traditional handicraft covered by the scheme, with embroidery, pottery and woodwork among the listed examples. Groups apply as organisations: a registered cluster, cooperative society or NGO needs at least 10 artisans attached to it, plus its registration certificate and audit reports.
The scheme runs continuously. Applications go in offline, either to a District Industries Office or straight to the iNDEXT-C headquarters in Gandhinagar, and outcomes are shared by SMS or email.
Financial incentives and priority consideration are reserved for artisans from SC, ST, SEBC and EWS categories, so the scheme's benefits reach economically weaker craft communities alongside the state's better-known craft traditions.
Highlights
- Free or heavily subsidised stalls at state and national handicraft melas
- Marketing and branding assistance for participating artisans
- Direct selling to retail customers and bulk buyers at fair venues
- Basic infrastructure such as tables and signage provided on site
- Priority and financial incentives for SC/ST/SEBC/EWS artisans
- Rolling applications — there is no fixed last date
Who can apply
Eligibility differs depending on whether you apply as an individual artisan or as an organisation.
Individual artisans must meet all of the following:
- Be a resident of Gujarat.
- Hold a valid Artisan ID Card issued by iNDEXT-C or a recognised authority.
- Specialise in a traditional handicraft listed under the scheme — embroidery, pottery and woodwork are given as examples.
Organisations and self-help groups must meet a different set of conditions:
- Be a registered cluster, cooperative society or NGO.
- Have a minimum of 10 artisans affiliated with the organisation.
- Submit audit reports and registration certificates with the application.
Artisans belonging to the SC, ST, SEBC and EWS categories receive priority in the selection process.
Handicraft Mela Participation Scheme — Subsidised Mela Stalls for Artisans is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Handicraft Mela Participation Scheme — Subsidised Mela Stalls for Artisans accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Support under this scheme is delivered in kind rather than as a fixed cash amount, and the value varies with the mela and the participant.
- Stall allocation: free or heavily subsidised stalls at state and national-level handicraft melas, which removes a large part of the overhead an artisan would otherwise carry.
- Promotional and branding support: marketing assistance that helps participants present their products effectively to a wider audience.
- A direct sales platform: face-to-face access to a large customer base and to potential bulk buyers, enabling immediate sales and business networking.
- Logistical aid: basic infrastructure such as tables and signage provided at mela venues so setup is smooth.
- Financial incentives and priority for artisans from SC, ST, SEBC and EWS categories, promoting inclusive growth within the handicraft sector.
About the provider
Handicraft Mela Participation Scheme — Subsidised Mela Stalls for Artisans is offered by Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications reach iNDEXT-C either through the district offices or directly, and each one is reviewed by a selection committee.
The committee assesses the application against the eligibility criteria for the relevant applicant type — Gujarat residency, a valid Artisan ID Card and handicraft specialisation in the case of individual artisans, and registration plus the required 10 affiliated artisans in the case of organisations and self-help groups.
Preference is extended to artisans from SC, ST, SEBC and EWS categories. Selected participants are then informed by SMS or email that they have been allotted participation in a designated handicraft mela.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Handicraft Mela Participation Scheme — Subsidised Mela Stalls for Artisans, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Handicraft Mela Participation Scheme and who runs it?
It is a Gujarat government scheme that helps the state's craftspersons showcase and sell their products at handicraft fairs. It is run by the Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, and implemented through the Industrial Extension Cottage, known as iNDEXT-C. The support is practical rather than a cash prize — stall space, promotional help and on-site logistics at state and national-level melas.
How much funding does the scheme provide?
There is no fixed amount, and the value varies by mela and participant. The scheme is a grant-type programme delivered mainly as free or heavily subsidised stalls, promotional and branding support, and basic infrastructure at venues. Selected participants may also receive financial incentives, with priority for artisans from SC, ST, SEBC and EWS categories. Because the support is largely in kind rather than a lump sum, your benefit depends on which melas you are allocated.
Who is eligible to apply as an individual artisan?
You must be a resident of Gujarat, hold a valid Artisan ID Card issued by iNDEXT-C or a recognised authority, and work in a traditional handicraft listed under the scheme — embroidery, pottery and woodwork are the examples given. All three conditions apply together.
Can a self-help group, cooperative or NGO apply?
Yes. Registered clusters, cooperative societies and NGOs are eligible, provided at least 10 artisans are affiliated with the organisation. These applicants must also submit their registration certificate and audit reports along with the application form.
What is the application deadline?
There is none. The scheme operates on a rolling, always-open basis, so applications are accepted continuously and you can apply whenever your documents are ready rather than waiting for a specific window.
Is DPIIT recognition or MSME registration required?
The eligibility conditions listed for this scheme do not include DPIIT recognition or MSME/Udyam registration. What matters instead is Gujarat residency, a valid Artisan ID Card and specialisation in a traditional handicraft for individual applicants, or a valid registration plus at least 10 affiliated artisans for organisations.
Does the scheme take equity or require repayment?
No. This is a government grant-type scheme, and the assistance arrives as subsidised exhibition space, promotion and logistics support. Nothing in the scheme requires you to give up a stake or to repay the support you receive.
What documents do I need to apply?
Individual artisans need their Artisan ID Card, while organisations need their registration certificate and audit reports. Attach self-attested copies of everything, and complete all mandatory fields on the prescribed form, including personal or organisation details, Artisan ID and handicraft category.
How and where do I apply?
Download and print the prescribed application form from the official iNDEXT-C website, fill it in and attach self-attested copies of the required documents. Submit the signed form and its enclosures either to your nearest District Industries Office or directly to the iNDEXT-C headquarters in Gandhinagar. Selection outcomes are communicated by SMS or email.
How are applications assessed, and do SC/ST/SEBC/EWS artisans get preference?
Applications are examined by a selection committee at iNDEXT-C, which checks them against the eligibility criteria — residency, Artisan ID and handicraft specialisation for individuals, and registration plus the minimum of 10 affiliated artisans for organisations. Preference is given to artisans from SC, ST, SEBC and EWS categories, and successful applicants are notified by SMS or email about their allocation to a designated mela.
How do I apply for Handicraft Mela Participation Scheme — Subsidised Mela Stalls for Artisans?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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