Explore initiatives under NHDP aimed at preserving traditional crafts and supporting artisans with training and financial aid.
The National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s handicraft sector. Under its Infrastructure and Technology Support vertical, the EMPORIA component focuses on creating, renovating, and upgrading marketing outlets for artisans and craft clusters. These emporia offer artisans a stable platform to showcase their products and ensure long-term market visibility. This page explains the scope, objectives, features, and eligibility requirements of the EMPORIA scheme, along with guidance on how to apply.
The National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, designed to support the holistic development of the handicraft sector. Through various subcomponents—including training, marketing, technology support, and infrastructure development—NHDP aims to uplift artisans, improve livelihoods, and preserve India’s traditional craft heritage.
The Infrastructure and Technology Support (EMPORIA) segment specifically focuses on building physical spaces where handicraft products can be promoted, sold, and exhibited to domestic and international buyers.
Strengthen and renovate existing State-run or cooperative handicraft emporia.
Establish new emporia in locations with high tourist footfall and strong market potential.
Provide artisans with permanent, high-quality platforms to display and sell handmade products.
Improve market access for craft clusters, self-help groups, and producer cooperatives.
Promote Indian handicrafts by creating modern retail and exhibition spaces.
Support infrastructure that ensures better visibility and fair returns for artisans.
Upgradation of old emporia: Financial support of up to ₹15 Lakhs is provided for repairing, renovating, or modernising existing handicraft stores.
Setting up new emporia: Assistance of up to ₹60 Lakhs is available to establish emporia in priority markets, including metros, heritage sites, and tourist centres.
Financial assistance coverage: A major part of the project cost (80%-90%) is borne by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
Support for marketing infrastructure: Emporia can include display areas, storage spaces, billing desks, galleries, and craft awareness zones.
Boost to artisan incomes: Better infrastructure translates into increased sales and improved earning opportunities.
Promotion of Indian crafts: Dedicated emporia help preserve craft traditions by connecting artisans to consistent buyers.
Improved buyer experience: Modern layouts, lighting, branding, and retail design attract domestic, and foreign customers.
State Handicraft Development Corporations
Apex societies, cooperatives, and federations working in the handicrafts sector
Registered organisations running handicraft emporia
Bodies with a proven track record of promoting Indian handicrafts
Applicants must have clear title/ownership or legal rights for the proposed emporia premises
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
Registration Certificate |
Proof of legal status of corporation/society/cooperative |
Detailed Project Report (DPR) |
Layout plan, financial estimate, renovation/creation plan |
Ownership/Lease Documents |
Proof of premises ownership or long-term lease |
Audit & Financial Statements |
Balance sheets and utilisation certificates, if applicable |
GST & PAN Details |
Mandatory registration documents |
Bank Details |
Account information for fund disbursement |
Any Additional Documents |
As specified by the DC (Handicrafts) or implementing body |
Follow these steps to apply for assistance under the EMPORIA component:
Check eligibility requirements on the official scheme page.
Prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) containing infrastructure plans, cost estimates, and emporia requirements.
Compile all required documents, including registration records, audits, and property papers.
Submit the proposal to the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles.
Applications are generally accepted through official government portals or via State Handicraft Development Corporations.
Track application status through the respective government department or state handicraft board.
| Scheme Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY) |
Cluster-based development of artisans |
Marketing Support & Services Scheme (MSS) |
Financial and logistical support for handicraft fairs and exhibitions |
Handloom & Handicrafts Export Promotion Scheme |
Promotes export-oriented growth for artisans |
Samarth Scheme |
Skill development and training for textile artisans |
PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) |
Supports micro-enterprises in crafts and allied sectors |
The National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), especially its EMPORIA component, helps strengthen marketing infrastructure for artisans and ensures steady market access. Modernised emporia not only preserve craft heritage but also create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
If you run a handicraft business or cooperative looking to upgrade infrastructure, you can also explore our MSME Loan and Business Loan solutions designed to support working capital and expansion needs.
NHDP stands for National Handicrafts Development Programme, a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Textiles.
A significant portion of the renovation cost—subject to scheme guidelines—is borne by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
Funding support is provided for renovating existing emporia and setting up new ones, covering structural improvements, interiors, branding, and essential retail infrastructure.
Individual artisans cannot apply. Only eligible corporations, cooperatives, apex societies, and registered organisations may apply.
Emporia are typically established in markets with high visibility—major cities, tourist hubs, heritage zones, and commercial centres—based on guidelines from the DC (Handicrafts).