Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY)

Brief
It is a centrally sponsored sub-component of the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP). It uses a project-based, cluster-specific approach to empower handicraft artisans by organizing them into self-reliant community enterprises like Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Producer Companies.

Objectives
- To identify and develop traditional handicraft clusters through integrated need-based interventions
- To organize artisans into formal groups (SHGs/Producer Companies) to improve their bargaining power and sustainability
- To promote high-quality stocks for niche markets and expand the production base for utility and mass-market goods
- To protect and revitalize endangered or "languishing" traditional crafts

Eligibility Criteria
- For Individual Artisans:
i. Must be a practicing handicraft artisan aged 18 years or above
ii. Must possess a valid Pehchan Card (Artisan ID)
iii. Preference is often given to artisans from SC, ST, women clusters, and aspirational districts

 - For Implementing Agencies (Organizations):
i. Central or State Handloom/Handicrafts Development Corporations
ii. Empanelled NGOs, Apex Cooperative Societies, and Registered SHGs
iii. Organizations with at least 10 years of experience in handicraft clusters
iv. Financial stability: Minimum opening balance of ₹20 lakhs in any of the last three years

Benefits
- Subsidized credit via Artisans' Credit Cards (ACC) and interest subvention
- Up to ₹1 lakh per year for 3 years to help form and register Producer Companies
- Grants for modern toolkits (approx. ₹5,000) and technological upgradation
- Enrolment in insurance schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Suraksha Bima Yojana
- 100% assistance for cluster exposure visits (up to ₹4 lakhs per visit) and subsidies for participating in trade fairs
- Funding for Common Facility Centres and worksheds (up to ₹1 lakh per workshed)

Nodal Department
Ministry of Textiles, Government of India