The “Award Scheme to Encourage Entrepreneurs” is implemented by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Department under the Department of Industries, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme aims to recognize exceptional craftsmanship among registered artisans and weavers in Uttarakhand by encouraging innovation, creativity, and excellence in the handicrafts and handloom sectors through state and district-level awards.

Benefits

Nature of the Award:

1. State Level Award

• For the best artisans in the handicraft sector:
  First Prize: ₹15,000/-
  Second Prize: ₹10,000/-
  Third Prize: ₹7,000/-
• For the best weavers in the handloom (cotton and woolen) sector:
  First Prize: ₹15,000/-
  Second Prize: ₹10,000/-
  Third Prize: ₹7,000/-

2. District Level Award

• For the best artisans in the handicraft sector:
  First Prize: ₹6,000/-
  Second Prize: ₹4,000/-
• For the best weavers in the handloom (cotton and woolen) sector:
  First Prize: ₹6,000/-
  Second Prize: ₹4,000/-

Eligibility

• The applicant must be a registered artisan or weaver, or an industry registered as Handloom Weaver/Handicraftsman under the Directorate of Industries, Uttarakhand, or the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts/Handloom), Government of India.
• The applicant must be an individual artisan or weaver belonging to a registered handicraft or handloom cooperative society, or a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) within the state of Uttarakhand to be eligible for the award.
• The artisan’s/weaver’s cooperative society or institution must not be a loan defaulter with any department or bank.
• An artisan/weaver who has already received an award cannot apply again for the next three consecutive years.

Application Process

Online – https://doi.uk.gov.in/

Application forms can be obtained from the office of the General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) or downloaded from the departmental website at https://doi.uk.org. The duly filled application form, along with a copy of the Aadhaar card, relevant handicraft/weaving-related documents, photographs, and certificates, must be submitted through the General Manager, District Industries Centre of the concerned district by the due date. The three copy of application form must be submitted, along with a demand draft of ₹50/- payable in favour of the General Manager, District Industries Centre.

Selection Process:

• For the District Level Awards, selections are made by a District Level Selection Committee constituted under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate/Chief Development Officer.
• For the State Level Awards, selections are made by a State Level Selection Committee constituted under the chairmanship of the Director of Industries, Uttarakhand.

Documents Required

• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Handicraft/Weaving-related documents (proof of work, registration, etc.)
• Photographs of the products or work samples
• Relevant certificates or recognitions, if any
• Demand Draft of ₹50/- payable in favour of the General Manager, District Industries Centre

Award Scheme to Encourage Entrepreneurs – Uttarakhand