On Monday, Rs. 33.34 lakh was released by the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, for starting the Karkhandar Scheme in the Kashmir Division. The money was given to Assistant Directors of Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Kulgam, and Srinagar to begin work. This scheme was started in 2021 and is made to help old crafts like pottery, walnut wood carving, silver filigree, carpet and Kani shawl weaving, Khatamband, papier-mâché, Sozni, tapestry, and copperware, which are losing artisans. Training is given by master artisans and Shilp Gurus, and selected trainees from centres are trained in karkhanas. Rs. 2,000 is given monthly to trainees and Rs. 25,000 to Karkhandars for tools and raw materials.

Motive of J&K Karkhandar Scheme
The main motive of the J&K Karkhandar Scheme is to save old traditional crafts which are slowly going out of fashion because not many artisans are left to do them. It was started in 2021 to help in bringing back crafts like pottery, walnut wood carving, Kani shawl weaving, carpet weaving, silver filigree, papier-mâché, Sozni, and others. These crafts are taught again by expert artisans to young trainees so that the skills can be saved. The scheme also wants to make life of artisans better by giving them training and support.
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No of Beneficiary Under Karkhandar Scheme
- The exact number of beneficiaries is not given, but trainees from departmental training centres in districts like Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Kulgam, and Srinagar are being selected in the first phase.
Key Highlights of J&K Karkhandar Scheme
Name of the Scheme | J&K Karkhandar Scheme |
Launched by | Handicrafts and Handloom Department |
Year Started | In the year 2021 |
Objective | To save old dying crafts |
Training Time | For six months full-time |
Monthly Stipend | Rs. 2,000 given to trainees |
Crafts Covered | Pottery, wood carving, shawls, etc. |
Trainer Type | Expert artisans and Shilp Gurus |
Tool Support | Rs. 25,000 for tools and items |
Areas Covered | 5 Kashmir districts in the first phase |
Fund Transfer Method | Sent directly to bank account |
Mode of Searching | Online |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the scheme are as follows:
- The person should be an artisan who is already working in traditional handicrafts or the handloom sector for some time.
- Only those trainees are allowed who are already getting trained in the Government Handicrafts and Handloom Training Centres.
- Trainees who are doing good and showing interest are being selected for more training under the scheme.
- Training is supposed to be given in karkhanas nearby, where expert artisans or Shilp Gurus are teaching them.
- Crafts which are slowly disappearing or do not have enough artisans are given first preference under this scheme.
- No clear age limit or school marks have been specified, but the person must be interested in learning.
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Financial Benefits
The benefits of the scheme are as follows:
- A monthly stipend of Rs. 2,000 is given to each trainee for six months through direct bank transfer.
- Karkhandars (master artisans or unit heads) are given Rs. 25,000 in two parts for tools, equipment, and raw materials.
- Rs. 2,000 per trainee per month is also given to Karkhandars to help in the training process.
- All payments are being sent directly to bank accounts.
- This money helps in learning, buying materials, and continuing the craft work easily.
Required Documents
The following documents are required to apply under the Karkhandar Scheme:
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Passbook
- Recent Passport Size Photo
- Handicrafts or Handloom Training Certificate
- Ration Card
- Domicile Certificate of J&K
- Mobile Number linked with Aadhaar
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How to Search J&K Karkhandar Scheme Beneficiary Online?
To search J&K Karkhandar Scheme Beneficiary Online, please follow these below mentioned steps:
- Step 1: First, visit the official website of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, where many government schemes are being shown together, and the Karkhandar Scheme is also put there for the public to see.
- Step 2: Then, you need to log in or register on the site by using your mobile number or any ID which is accepted on that portal, and wait for it to open fully.
- Step 3: Once the page is open, type “Karkhandar Scheme” in the search bar and see when the list of schemes appears, from which you must choose the correct one.
- Step 4: When you click on the scheme name, a new page will open, and there you will find a link written like “Check Beneficiary” on which you have to click to proceed further.
- Step 5: Now, you will be asked for a few things like your name, Aadhaar number or training ID, so you have to fill them correctly and without any mistakes.
- Step 6: Once all things are filled and you have finally submitted the details, then your name will be shown on the screen if you are selected under this scheme, and all details will be there.
FAQs
What is the main aim of the Karkhandar Scheme?
The scheme aims to revive traditional and dying crafts by providing training, tools, and financial help to artisans and trainees in Jammu and Kashmir through structured skill development programmes.
Who can join the Karkhandar Scheme?
Trainees who are already studying in departmental training centres and are serious in learning can be selected for advanced training under expert artisans in nearby karkhanas.
How long is the training under this scheme?
The training is for six months, and it is full-time. During this period, trainees learn directly from skilled artisans and improve their craft skills.
What financial help is given to trainees?
Each trainee gets Rs. 2,000 per month for six months through direct bank transfer, which helps them during the training time.
What support is given to Karkhandars?
Karkhandars get Rs. 25,000 in two instalments for tools, raw materials, and logistics, along with Rs. 2,000 per trainee every month to support training work.