The “Pension Scheme for Craftsmen” is implemented by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Department under the Department of Industries, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme aims to provide financial support and social security to traditional artisans of Uttarakhand who are aged 60 years or above and belong to families living below the poverty line.

Benefits

Under this scheme, craftsmen aged 60 years or above who are already receiving an old age pension are provided with an additional incentive of ₹400/- per month.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be a resident of Uttarakhand.
• The applicant must be an artisan/craftsman aged 60 years or above.
• The applicant must be already receiving an old age pension from the government.
• The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
• If the son or grandson of the artisan is 20 years of age or above and the family still lives below the poverty line, the applicant remains eligible.
• The applicant must be engaged in traditional handicrafts such as stone, wood, iron, lamp, ringal, bamboo, and product development from natural fibres, or in any other crafts approved by the government from time to time.

Application Process

Online: https://doi.uk.gov.in/

Application forms can be obtained from the office of the General Manager, District Industries Centre, or downloaded from the departmental website https://doi.uk.org. Along with the application form, applicants must submit the following documents to the General Manager, District Industries Centre of the concerned district: Aadhaar card, bank account details, proof of receiving old age pension, BPL certificate, birth certificate/Aadhaar as proof of date of birth, a certified copy of the family register to define the family, and a certificate confirming the applicant’s status as a craftsman.

Selection Process: The documents of eligible artisans are verified by a committee constituted under the chairmanship of the General Manager, District Industries Centre. Based on this verification, the eligible applicants are selected for the pension. After selection, the additional incentive pension is disbursed quarterly into the artisan’s bank or post office account.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card
• Bank account details (passbook copy)
• Proof of receiving old age pension
• Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate
• Birth certificate or Aadhaar card (as proof of date of birth)
• Certified copy of the family register (to define family details)
• Certificate confirming the applicant’s status as a craftsman

Pension Scheme for Elderly, Destitute Artists, Litterateurs and Writers of Uttarakhand State