Handicraft Mela Participation
At a Glance
Scheme Category
Business & Entrepreneurship,Exhibitions/Trade fairs/Buyer-seller meet, market development,Setting up / start-up / entrepreneurship
Target Beneficiaries
Individual,Self Help Groups (SHGS)
Brief Description
The scheme enables artisans and handicraft organizations to participate in government-sponsored melas across Gujarat and other states, fostering market access and preserving traditional crafts. Benefits include subsidized stall fees, promotional support, sales opportunities for handmade products.
Benefit Type
In Kind
Eligibility Criteria
For Individual Artisans - The applicant must be a resident of Gujarat. - The applicant must possess a valid Artisan ID Card issued by Indext-C or a recognized authority. - The applicant must specialize in a traditional handicraft listed under the scheme (e.g., embroidery, pottery, woodwork). For Organizations/SHGs - The applicant must be a registered cluster/cooperative society/NGO. - The applicant must have a minimum of 10 artisans affiliated with the organization. - The applicant must submit audit reports and registration certificates.
Application Mode
Offline
Application Process
Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the <nis:link nis:type=webUrl nis:id=slugId nis:text="prescribed format" nis:value=https://craftofgujarat.gujarat.gov.in/Documents/SubDeal__2025-2-13_96.pdf nis:enabled=true/> of the application form from the Indext-C website. Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields ( personal/organization details, artisan ID, and handicraft category, etc), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required). Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form, along with the documents, either to your nearest <nis:link nis:type=webUrl nis:id=slugId nis:text="District Industries Office" nis:value=https://www.cottage.gujarat.gov.in/Home-2140795B5D2D-282472282472-2824725B5D2D nis:enabled=true/> or to the following address: Indext-C Headquarters, Industrial Extension Cottage, Block No. 7, 1st Floor, Udyog Bhavan, Sector-11, Gandhinagar - 382 011. The Indext-C will review the applications and notify the selected participants via SMS/email.
Required Documents
- - Artisan ID Card (for Individuals).
- - Aadhaar Card (Proof of Residence).
- - Caste Certificate (if applying under SC/ST/SEBC/EWS Quota).
- - Organization Registration Proof (for SHGs/Clusters).
- - Bank Account Details (for Disbursements).
- - Recent Passport-Sized Photograph.
- - Handicraft Samples (Photographs or Physical Samples, if requested).
- - Audit Reports (for Organizations).
FAQs
Can artisans share or sublet their allocated stalls to others?
No, stall transfers are prohibited; violators will face penalties and future participation bans.
What types of handicrafts are eligible for display at these fairs?
Eligible crafts include 62 listed categories like embroidery, metalware, terracotta, woodwork, and traditional textiles.
What happens if an artisan fails to attend after registering for a fair?
The stall allocation will be canceled, and any paid fees may be forfeited unless prior notice is given to Indext-C.
Are there any awards or recognition for outstanding artisans at these fairs?
Artisans with awards can attach certificates (max 4) in their application, but no competition details are specified.
How are artisans identified during the fair for verification purposes?
They must carry and display their artisan ID card and recent photograph at the stall.
What are the rules regarding display and arrangement of products at the stall?
Artisans must display only within allocated space without obstructing pathways or other stalls, following Indext-C's guidelines.
Can artisans participate in fairs outside their home district or state?
Yes, the scheme covers both intra-state and inter-state fairs organized by Indext-C.
What banking details are required for application processing?
Artisans must provide bank account number, IFSC code, branch name, and account holder name.
Is there any insurance coverage for artisans' goods during the fair?
No, artisans are solely responsible for their goods' safety, though security may be provided at the venue.
Are artisans allowed to consume alcohol or tobacco at the fair venue?
No, narcotics, alcohol, or flammable materials are strictly prohibited at stalls or venues.
What are the eligibility criteria for artisans to participate in the handicraft fairs organized by the government?
Artisans must produce handmade crafts listed in the official Gujarat handicraft list and possess a valid artisan identification card issued by recognized institutions like Indext-C.
How does one prove domicile status as a Gujarat resident for participation?
The application form includes a domicile declaration section; supporting documents may be required.