Goa’s handicrafts department provides local artisans with immense support via its Vishwakarma Kaushal Yojana and Swavalamban Yojana
The handicrafts department in Goa has spearheaded two significant initiatives, namely the Vishwakarma Kaushal Yojana and the Swavalamban Yojana, aimed at empowering local artisans and preserving the state’s cultural heritage.
Under the Vishwakarma Kaushal Yojana, launched in 2014, approximately 5,000 beneficiaries have received support to enhance their traditional skills, focusing on occupations such as pottery and bamboo crafts. This initiative includes skill upgradation training and provides a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for apprentices and ₹1,500 for SC/ST trainees. It also facilitates participation in exhibitions to showcase artisans’ creations.
Launched in 2020, the Swavalamban Yojana targets artisans across all handicraft trades, offering hands-on training, initial business support, and subsidies on raw materials. Notably, the department delivers raw materials directly to artisans and provides training in online marketing, enhancing their business capabilities in the digital age.
Beyond the schemes, the department is constantly working towards promoting local handicrafts to a wider audience. It facilitates artisans’ participation in not only national but international exhibitions as well thereby opening up global doors and widening the audience scope. Moreover, the department also conducts awareness programs in remote areas to educate the public on the importance of supporting traditional handicrafts.
“Our focus is not just on the artisans themselves, but on creating a sustainable ecosystem for the entire handicraft industry. By empowering the artisans, we are not only preserving our rich cultural heritage but also providing livelihood opportunities to thousands of families across the country,” expressed an inspector from the handicrafts department.
