Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala

Kerala Assistance Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans (ASHA)

Handicraft artisans (recognised by the Development Commissioner Handicrafts or Kerala handicraft bodies) who run a micro enterprise with plant and machinery investment and Udyam registration.

What you getUp to ₹7.5 L
Sectorhandicrafts
WhereKerala
DeadlineRolling / always open

Kerala Assistance Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans (ASHA) is a grant from Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala for handicraft artisans (recognised by the Development Commissioner Handicrafts or Kerala handicraft bodies) who run a micro enterprise with…. It provides Up to ₹7.5 L, for handicrafts. Applications are open on a rolling basis.

Key facts

Amount / benefitUp to ₹7.5 L
ProviderDirectorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala
WhereKerala
StageEarly Revenue, Growth, Prototype
Sectorhandicrafts
DeadlineRolling / always open

What is Kerala Assistance Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans?

Kerala Assistance Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans (ASHA) — General: 40% of fixed capital (up to Rs 3 lakh) plus 40% working-capital grant (up to Rs 2 lakh), total Rs 5 lakh; women, SC/ST, young (18-45) and differently abled: 50% each (up to Rs 4.5 lakh + Rs 3 lakh), total Rs 7.5 lakh — Handicraft artisans (recognised by the Development Commissioner Handicrafts or Kerala handicraft bodies) who run a micro enterprise with plant and machinery investment and Udyam registration. It is run by Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala.

A grant is financial support you don’t repay — awarded against eligibility and, usually, agreed milestones or utilisation of funds. The amount and form of support that actually apply to you depend on the programme’s rules and how your application is assessed — they are not fixed for every applicant.

It is aimed at businesses in handicrafts. Like most government programmes, it has its own eligibility conditions, documentation and application window, and these terms are revised from time to time. Because of that, it is worth confirming the current eligibility, amount and deadline on the official programme page before you invest time in applying.

Who is eligible for Kerala Assistance Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans?

Handicraft artisans (recognised by the Development Commissioner Handicrafts or Kerala handicraft bodies) who run a micro enterprise with plant and machinery investment and Udyam registration.

How much does Kerala Assistance Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans give, and in what form?

Up to ₹7.5 L.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of support is this?

A grant is financial support you don’t repay — awarded against eligibility and, usually, agreed milestones or utilisation of funds.

Who runs this programme?

Kerala Assistance Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans (ASHA) is offered by Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala. Eligibility and approval rest with them; the criteria and amounts are set by the programme.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Programmes like this can be rolling or time-bound. Confirm the current window on the official programme page before you apply.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

Read “Who can apply” above for the programme’s own criteria. If you’d like a quick read on your specific case, our free 2-minute eligibility check maps your stage, sector and revenue to what you can realistically claim.

Related programmes

Browse similar grant programmes. See all kerala startup and msme schemes. CapEasy handles this under Fundraising advisory.

Source and verification

No official page is linked for this programme yet. Verification date pending. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.

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