Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme

The Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme, introduced by Gujarat's Industries and Mines Department, targets traditional artisans in both urban and rural parts of the state. It seeks to improve access to affordable credit by offering financial support at reduced interest rates. The scheme's core objective is to help artisans purchase necessary machinery, tools, and raw materials, which supports the growth and modernisation of their current or newly established enterprises. This effort is important for sustaining traditional crafts and skills, while also helping artisans raise their output and competitive standing.

By ensuring capital is more accessible, the programme aims to boost economic activity at the local level and strengthen the earnings of skilled workers. It acknowledges the role artisans play in Gujarat's cultural and economic landscape, providing a systematic route to financial inclusion and business development within this community. The application procedure is streamlined through District Industries Centres, which helps ensure that assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries efficiently.

1. **Obtain the application form.** Download the prescribed form from the official website of the Commissioner of Cottage & Rural Industries and take a printout. 2. **Complete the application.** Fill in every required field accurately in two copies of the form. This generally covers personal particulars, details of the artisan enterprise, and the financial assistance sought. Provide clear and precise information to prevent processing hold-ups. 3. **Attach photographs and documents.** Paste two passport-size photographs on each copy of the form. Compile the supporting paperwork, including the artisan identity card, proof of age, proof of address, bank particulars (Account Number, IFSC Code), Aadhaar number, and other business-related documents. Enclose certified copies of all these with the submission. 4. **Submit the application.** Hand over the completed form, together with the certified supporting documents (in duplicate), to the District Industries Centre (DIC) of the relevant district. The DIC serves as the nodal body for this scheme and manages the application procedure. 5. **Loan sanction and disbursement.** Once the DIC processes the application, financial institutions (Nationalized Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Co-operative Banks, Public Sector Banks, and Private Banks) assess it against their criteria and approve the loan. The sanctioned amount is then credited to your account, and repayments begin according to the bank's repayment schedule. 6. **Subsidy claims.** The bank files claims for the Margin Money Subsidy and Interest Subsidy with the Commissioner, Cottage and Rural Industries, or the District Industries Centre. These claims confirm regular repayment of the loan and proper use of the borrowed funds. 7. **Subsidy disbursement.** After the bank's claim is received and checked, the Margin Money Subsidy (a one-time payment following loan release) and the Interest Subsidy (paid every six months) are transferred directly to your bank account through RTGS/e-Payment. Ensure your bank details (Account Number, IFSC Code, TAN No., and Aadhaar Number) are correct to avoid delays in receipt.

The District Industries Centre (DIC) first screens each application to confirm the applicant qualifies as an artisan and that the submission is complete. After this initial check, the application moves to participating financial institutions—which include Nationalized Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Co-operative Banks, Public Sector Banks, and Private Banks—for a loan decision. These banks assess creditworthiness and the viability of the business against their own lending criteria.

For subsidy release, banks must certify that the artisan has paid instalments on schedule, holds no default status, and has applied the loan to its stated purpose. Verification of this may involve site visits by the implementing agency to confirm the acquisition of machinery, equipment, or raw materials.