**Summary:**
This document summarizes Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3771, addressed to the Minister of Textiles on August 12, 2025, regarding training under the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP). The question specifically inquires about the aims and objectives of the NHDP, the provision of skill development, training, and financial assistance under the program, and the number of artisans in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh benefiting from the NHDP.
The Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, responded that the Ministry of Textiles, through the Office of the Development Commissioner Handicrafts, implements the NHDP and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) to promote the handicrafts sector. These schemes offer need-based financial assistance for marketing, skill development, cluster development, Producer Company formation, direct artisan benefits, infrastructure and technology support, and research and development.
Specifically regarding skill development, the NHDP includes programs like the Guru Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan Programme (GSHPP), the Comprehensive Skill Upgradation Programme (CSUP), and Design and Technology Development Workshops (DTDW). Financial assistance of Rs. 8,000 per month is provided to awardee artisans in indigent circumstances.
The response clarifies that, contrary to the question's premise, 61 artisans in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh received benefits under the NHDP, including skill development, training, and financial assistance, between 2022-23 and 2024-25.
To further expand the reach of the NHDP, the Office of the Development Commissioner Handicrafts organizes Chaupals, Workshops, and Seminars across the country, including Andhra Pradesh, to raise awareness about the schemes available.
Key Entities Referenced
National Handicraft Development Programme NHDP: A scheme implemented by the Ministry of Textiles for the overall development and promotion of the handicrafts sector.
Ministry of Textiles: The government ministry responsible for implementing the National Handicraft Development Programme and related schemes.
Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme CHCDS: A scheme implemented by the Ministry of Textiles for the overall development and promotion of handicrafts sector.
SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY VEMIREDDY: Member of Parliament who raised a question in LOK SABHA regarding the NHDP.
Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh: A district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, specifically mentioned in the question regarding the beneficiaries of the NHDP scheme.
Office of the Development Commissioner Handicrafts: An office under the aegis of Ministry of Textiles which implements the National Handicrafts Development Programme NHDP and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme CHCDS.
Guru Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan Programme GSHPP: A skill development program under NHDP to create skill development in handicrafts sector.
Comprehensive Skill Upgradation Programme CSUP: A skill development program under NHDP to create skill development in handicrafts sector.
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3771
TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.08.2025
TRAINING UNDER NHDP
3771. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY VEMIREDDY:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री
be pleased to state :
(a) the aims and objectives of National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP);
(b) whether any skill development, training and financial assistance is given under NHDP by the
Government and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is true that only one artisan in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh is benefited from skill
development, training, financial assistance under NHDP during the last three years i.e., 2022-23, 2023-
24 and 2024-25;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to provide more and more artisans skill development, training
and financial assistance from Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh?
उत्तर
ANSWER
वस्त्र राज् य मंत्री (श्री पबित्र मार्घरे रटा)
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)
(a): The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the aegis of Ministry of
Textiles implements two schemes namely National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and
Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) for overall development and
promotion of handicrafts sector across the country. Under these schemes, need based financial assistance
is provided for end-to-end support to the artisans through marketing events, skill development, cluster
development, formation of Producer Companies, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructural and technology
support and research & development support which benefit the traditional crafts and artisans throughout
the country.
(b): Under NHDP scheme various kind of skill development programmes such as Guru Shishya
Hastshilp Prashikshan Programme (GSHPP), Comprehensive Skill Upgradation Programme (CSUP) and
Design and Technology Development Workshop (DTDW) helps to create skill development in
handicrafts sector. Financial assistance @ Rs.8,000/- per month is provided to the awardee artisans in
indigent circumstances.
(c) & (d): In Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh total 61 artisans were benefitted under skill
development, training programmes, financial assistance under NHDP scheme during last three years i.e.
2022-23 to 2024-25.
(e): To provide skill development, training & financial assistance to more & more artisans, Office of the
Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) organises Chaupals, Workshops and Seminars across the
country including the State of Andhra Pradesh to create awareness about the schemes of Office of the
Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
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