Finance aid boosted for artisans

Panaji: The department of handicrafts, textile, and coir has made changes to its artisan welfare programme.
Under the revised scheme, artisans will receive a higher amount of financial assistance to purchase tools required for their trade. The amount has been increased to Rs 5,000 per artisan.
This financial support will be reimbursed upon the production of a valid bill, voucher, or receipt from the vendor who provided the tools.
The department will now provide raw materials to artisans at no cost during their initial phase of production. This handholding support will be offered for an initial period of 180 days, which can be extended for another 90 days, depending on the artisan’s progress.
The new provisions of the scheme will also offer substantial financial assistance to artisans who wish to showcase their products at exhibitions and fairs, both within and outside the state.
The scheme will now cover the full stall rental expenses of the artisans, up to Rs 15,000 for participation in exhibitions within the state, and Rs 20,000 for such events outside the state.