Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme
Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Government of Goa · Central government
Goa’s scheme subsidises registered clay idol makers ₹100 per idol, up to ₹15,000 yearly, to revive the cottage industry.
Open, rolling. Applications are accepted continuously — there is no deadline.
Key facts
- Subsidy amount
- Up to ₹15,000
- Instrument
- Subsidy
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Disbursement
- Released against milestones
About this scheme
The Department of Industries, Government of Goa, introduced the "Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme" to support the traditional cottage industry of clay idol making. The initiative provides financial assistance to local artisans, helping them compete against cheaper materials such as Plaster of Paris and polyfibre.
Under the scheme, artisans receive a subsidy of ₹100 per idol, with annual financial grants capped at ₹15,000 per artisan. The programme is administered by the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC). Applicants must be traditional clay idol makers registered with GHRSSIDC and must produce their idols within Goa. This support aims to preserve cultural heritage and sustain artisan livelihoods.
Who can apply
- Eligible business forms
- Sole proprietorship
- Udyam registration
- Not specified
- MSME registration
- Not required
- DPIIT startup recognition
- Not required
- GST registration
- Not specified
- Where the business may be based
- Goa
- Applicant must be a traditional clay idol maker or artisan from the State of Goa. - Must be registered with GHRSSIDC as a clay idol manufacturer. - Must personally manufacture idols within Goa; imported or traded idols are not eligible. - Must have a workshop or production unit within Goa for manufacturing idols (e.g., Ganesh, Durga, Saraswati, Mother Mary). - The subsidy is applicable only for idols used for religious purposes and not for decorative items. - Must maintain records of idols produced and sold, including size, price, buyer details, and sale date. - Must comply with physical inspection by GHRSSIDC officials.
How to apply
- **Step 1: Obtain Application Form**: Applicants must secure a copy of the prescribed application format. This can be done by printing it from the Goa Printing Press website, or by collecting it in person from GHRSSIDC, Craft Complex, Neugi Nagar, Panaji, North Goa, Goa - 403 001, for a fee of ₹1/- per form. - **Step 2: Complete Application**: Fill in every mandatory field on the form and include copies of all necessary documents. Where applicable, ensure that each attached document is self-attested. - **Step 3: Submit Application**: The completed and signed application form, together with all supporting documents, must be submitted to the Managing Director, GHRSSIDC Ltd., Panaji-Goa, within the designated application window.
How applications are assessed
Following submission, GHRSSIDC officials will inspect the applicant’s workshop in person to confirm production capacity and, in the artisan’s presence, physically count the existing clay idols. An Appraisal Committee—comprising the Chairman, Managing Director, a nominated Director, and a Government representative—will then evaluate the applications and grant approvals in the order they were received.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main objective of the Goa (Subsidy to Clay Idol Makers) Scheme?
The scheme provides financial support through subsidies to revive Goa's traditional clay idol-making cottage industry and motivate local artisans, countering the decline caused by competition from cheaper alternatives like Plaster of Paris and polyfibre.
Who is eligible to apply for this subsidy?
Traditional clay idol makers and artisans registered with GHRSSIDC as manufacturers, who personally produce idols within Goa and run a workshop or production unit in the state, are eligible.
What is the subsidy amount provided per idol and the annual limit?
The scheme offers a subsidy of ₹100 per clay idol, with a minimum size of 1 foot, and provides grants of up to ₹15,000 per artisan each year.
How is the subsidy disbursed to the beneficiaries?
Upon approval by the Appraisal Committee, the subsidy is paid by cheque to the registered artisan once GHRSSIDC receives the requisite funds from the Government. For subsequent releases, beneficiaries must keep sales records and submit utilisation certificates.
Are all types of idols eligible for the subsidy?
No, the subsidy applies only to idols made for religious use—such as Ganesh, Durga, Saraswati, or Mother Mary for festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Christmas—and not to decorative idols.
What documents are required for the application process?
Applicants must fill out the prescribed application form with all mandatory fields completed, and attach self-attested copies of required documents where applicable. These typically include proof of identity, address, GHRSSIDC registration, and workshop details.
Sectors
- Manufacturing Industrial
- Traditional Crafts
- Cottage Industry
- Artisans
- Handicrafts
- Goa
- Clay Idol Making
- Local Economy
Details last verified on 3 August 2026. Source: the issuer's published information.