Parliament Question: Handicraft Artisans Registered under Pehchan Card Scheme

**Executive Summary:** This document is the response from the Minister of Textiles to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1497, answered on 29.07.2025, regarding handicraft artisans registered under the Pehchan Card Scheme. It details the number of registered artisans in Tamil Nadu, benefits available to cardholders, the impact of various schemes, and findings from an impact assessment survey. The response also outlines remedial steps taken to address challenges faced by artisans. **Key Points / Main Content:** * **Artisan Registration (Tamil Nadu):** * Total artisans registered under the Pehchan Card initiative in Tamil Nadu over the last three years (2022-23 to June 2025) is 14,174 out of a total of 84,311. * Year-wise registration numbers are provided for 2022-23 (5,356), 2023-24 (3,219), and 2024-25 (5,599). * **Schemes and Benefits:** * The Ministry of Textiles implements the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) through the Office of the Development Commissioner Handicrafts. * These schemes provide need-based financial assistance and end-to-end support including marketing events, skill development, cluster development, Producer Companies, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructural and technology support, and research development support. * Only Pehchan card holders are eligible for benefits under these schemes. * **Artisans Benefitted:** * A total of 5,79,387 artisans benefitted from NHDP, CHCDS, and the Samarth Scheme over the last five years (2020-21 to June 2025). * Year-wise data on the number of artisans benefitted is provided. * **Impact Assessment:** * The Ministry of Textiles conducted a "Beneficiaries sentiments survey of schemes and initiatives" including NHDP and CHCDS. * Key findings include: * Over 70% of beneficiaries reported improved income and upliftment in livelihood. * Over 75% suggested tangible progress in their production standards. * Over 60% witnessed a significant increase in productivity and enhanced production capacity. * 34% faced challenges accessing new markets. * 69% believe the scheme covers all relevant stakeholders. * Around 80% agreed that the scheme will have a positive impact on their businesses in the long run. * **Remedial Steps:** * Based on the survey, the Office of DC Handicrafts prepared a saturation plan. * The plan aims to increase the reach of artisans to new markets by including new locations in the annual marketing calendar and addressing the challenges faced by artisans. **Impact Analysis:** **Handicraft Artisans:** * *Impact:* * Pehchan cardholders are eligible for benefits under NHDP and CHCDS, including financial assistance, skill development, marketing support, and infrastructure development. * The survey indicates improved income, production standards, and productivity, but also highlights challenges in accessing new markets. * *Action Required:* * Artisans should obtain and maintain Pehchan cards to access scheme benefits. * Artisans should participate in available programs for skill development and marketing. * Artisans should utilize the saturation plan's new market opportunities. **Office of the Development Commissioner Handicrafts:** * *Impact:* * Responsible for implementing NHDP and CHCDS and providing support to artisans. * Must address the challenges artisans face in accessing new markets. * *Action Required:* * Continue implementing NHDP and CHCDS. * Execute the saturation plan to expand market access for artisans. * Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the saturation plan and make adjustments as needed. **Ministry of Textiles:** * *Impact:* * Oversees the development of the handicrafts sector. * Responsible for conducting impact assessments and implementing necessary changes to improve the effectiveness of schemes. * *Action Required:* * Continue monitoring the handicraft sector and conduct further impact assessments. * Ensure that the Office of DC Handicrafts effectively implements the saturation plan. * Address any systemic issues hindering the growth and welfare of handicraft artisans.

Key Entities Referenced