All you need to know about Assam’s new Handicraft Policy, 2022

DISPUR: To assist the growth and development of craft-based industries and provide training and technical support to artisans and entrepreneurs, the Government of Assam released the Handicraft Policy of Assam 2022, on Wednesday, January 12.

The policy to provide market connections and online marketing support to facilitate product export was approved by the cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Capital Investment subsidy of up to 30 per cent on the amount spent on Plant and Machinery was provided under the program, with a cap of Rs 15 lakh for new and Rs 5 lakh for old handicraft units. All eligible units were eligible for a subsidy of up to 5 per cent on working capital loans for a period of five years, with a ceiling of Rs 2 lakh per unit per year, as well as a subsidy of up to 50 per cent on marketing expenses incurred by handicraft units for a period of three years, with a maximum ceiling of Ps 30,000 per annum.

All eligible handicraft units would receive one-time financial support of up to Rs 30,000 for the construction of a web portal/app for online marketing of their items. Handicraft units in each district of Assam would receive three rewards of Rs 10,000, Rs 7500, and Rs 5000.

The policy enlisted the help of the National Institute of Design, the Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts, the India Trade Promotion Organisation, and the Development Commissioner to help with design and development. The policy said that building a cluster of a certain craft in order to scale up the production of craft village in order to promote handicraft in general.

The government has resolved to establish an Assam State Youth Commission, including a branch dedicated to forging ties with Assam-based NRIs. According to the state government’s sports policy, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma handed over an appointment letter to Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain as Deputy Superintendent of Police in Assam Police.