Priyanka Poojary
On October 5, 2021 Ministry of Textiles approved the continuation of Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) till March 2026. Under this scheme the central government provides infrastructural support, market access and technology upgradation to the handicraft artisans in the country. It aims creating clusters of artisans and linking them with SMEs in the handicraft sector. This scheme intends to provide the artisans with world class infrastructure so as to improve and increase their production. Skill development training will also be provided to them. Under this scheme handicraft clusters with more than 10,000 artisans will be selected for development.
Overview –
| Scheme name | Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) |
| Scheme Under | Central Government |
| Scheme Continuation Approved By | Ministry of Textiles |
| Beneficiaries | Handicraft artisans |
| Objective | To give a boost to the handicraft sector as well as ensure welfare and betterment of artisans in the country. |
| Total Outlay | Rs. 160 crores |
Objectives and Benefits–
- The main objective of the scheme is to develop and give a boost to the handicraft sector in the country
- It also aims at providing assistance to the artisans.
- This scheme aims ate creating clusters of artisans and link them with small and medium enterprises in the handicraft sector.
- Under this scheme the handicraft artisans will be provided with infrastructural support, technology upgradation and training for upgrading their skills.
- Various seminars, design workshops, marketing events will be held for the artisans.
- It aims at increasing direct and indirect employment opportunities in the handicraft sector.
- This scheme will ensure betterment and welfare of the craftsmen and artisans in the union territory.
Scheme Details:
- Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) is a central sector scheme started for giving a boost to the handicraft sector in the country.
- The Ministry of Textiles has approved the continuation of the scheme till march 2026.
- This scheme intends to assist the local handicraft artisans in the country.
- Under this scheme, the central government provides infrastructural support, market access and technology upgradation to the handicraft artisans in the country.
- This scheme intends to provide the artisans with world class infrastructure, market linkages, product diversification, etc., so as to improve and increase production and export.
- It aims creating clusters of artisans and linking them with SMEs in the handicraft sector.
- Skill development training and human resource development inputs will be provided to the artisans.
- Interventions like baseline survey and activity mapping, skill training, improved tool kits, marketing, publicity, capacity building, raw material banks, trade facilitation centres etc will also be provided to them.
- This scheme will give a boost to the craft sector thereby ensuring welfare of the local handicraft artisans.
- Under this scheme handicraft clusters with more than 10,000 artisans will be selected for development.
- Total outlay of the scheme is Rs. 160 crores.
