National Handicrafts Development Programme: Research & Development Scheme

What is the Handicrafts Research & Development Scheme?

The Research & Development Scheme is a component of the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), run by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles. According to the NHDP guidelines, the Research & Development Scheme is designed to generate feedback on the economic, social, aesthetic and promotional aspects of various crafts and artisans, so that policy and programmes for the handicrafts sector rest on evidence rather than guesswork.

The scheme does this by funding surveys, studies, workshops, seminars and conferences. It is not a benefit an individual artisan claims; it is a grant-in-aid to organisations that carry out research and documentation for the sector. Typical work includes mapping craft clusters, studying raw material, technology and design, assessing domestic and overseas markets, and documenting or protecting endangered crafts and traditional knowledge.

Key features

• 100% grant-in-aid to eligible organisations, released in two instalments.
• Funds surveys, studies, seminars, workshops and conferences on crafts.
• Studies run 3 to 12 months; seminars/workshops are usually one day.
• Administered by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).

Who is eligible for the R&D grant?

Who can apply:

• Autonomous organisations registered under relevant statutes.
• Producer Companies and Section-8 (non-profit) Companies.
• NGOs and educational institutions.
• Urban and rural local self-government institutions.
• Export Promotion Councils, the Central Cottage Industries Emporium and the National Crafts Museum.
• State and central government agencies.

Who cannot apply / is not eligible:

• Individual artisans and individual researchers cannot apply for a grant under this scheme. It supports institutions, not persons.
• Organisations with no relevant registration or credentials in the handicrafts or research field are not eligible.

Individual artisans who want direct support should look at other NHDP components aimed at artisans: such as marketing, skilling or credit assistance: rather than the Research & Development Scheme.

What kinds of studies does the scheme fund?

The Research & Development Scheme supports a wide range of evidence-generating activity, including:

• Mapping and documentation of craft clusters and market trends.
• Studies on availability of raw material, technology and design.
• Market evaluation for domestic and overseas handicrafts and techno-economic feasibility studies.
• Registration of GI crafts, preparation of legal documents, and protection of endangered crafts, heritage and traditional knowledge.
• Seminars, workshops and conferences to share findings and build awareness.

A survey or study can last 3 to 12 months; a seminar or workshop is generally one day, extendable only with special approval.

How much grant is given?

The financial assistance is extended as 100% grant-in-aid, released in two instalments:

The exact grant for a project depends on its scope and budget as sanctioned by the approving committee.

How to apply for the Research & Development Scheme

1. Prepare a project proposal describing the survey, study, seminar or workshop — its objectives, methodology, duration and budget.
2. Ensure your organisation is an eligible registered body and gather the registration certificate, credentials and bank/PAN details.
3. NGOs apply through the NGO Portal; government agencies can apply online or offline as per the guidelines.
4. The proposal is examined by a committee chaired by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
5. On sanction, the first instalment (advance) is released to the organisation; the balance follows after the work is completed and the report is verified.

How this fits within NHDP

The National Handicrafts Development Programme bundles several components, for marketing, skilling, infrastructure, direct benefit to artisans and research. The Research & Development Scheme is the evidence-generating component: it produces the surveys, studies and documentation that inform the rest of the programme. Because it funds institutions rather than artisans, it is often confused with artisan-facing schemes; the distinction matters when deciding where to apply.

Help and where to check

• Portal: handicrafts.gov.in and the NGO Portal for online applications
• Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, New Delhi, administers the scheme
• Regional handicrafts offices can guide eligible organisations on proposals

Because grants go only to registered organisations, individual artisans should be wary of anyone offering a personal "R&D grant" under this scheme.