Handicraft Rebate Scheme

The Handicraft Rebate Scheme is run by the Commissioner of Cottage and Rural Industries, Government of Gujarat. It supports the handicraft sector and the livelihoods of artisans in the state by offering financial relief and market incentives to industrial cooperatives, apex societies and women-led groups involved in handicraft production.

Under the scheme, a permanent rebate of 5% applies to retail sales of handicrafts. During festive seasons, an additional 10% special rebate applies, taking the total rebate to 15% for general cooperatives. Women-led cooperatives receive a permanent rebate of 15%, and 20% in total during festivals.

The scheme is delivered through the e-Kutir portal. An e-voucher system handles toolkit distribution and rebate disbursement directly, without intermediaries, so benefits reach beneficiaries promptly. The scheme seeks to improve the market competitiveness of Gujarati handicrafts and the welfare of artisans, while preserving traditional crafts and supporting rural industries.

Applications for the Handicraft Rebate Scheme are submitted online via the e-Kutir portal. The steps are as follows:

- **Step 1: New Individual Registration**: Go to the e-Kutir portal (https://e-kutir.gujarat.gov.in) and select "For New Individual Registration, click Here". Enter all mandatory personal details — Full Name, Aadhaar Card Number, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, E-mail — and set a Password. Fill in the Captcha and press "Register". Verify the particulars in the pop-up to continue. - **Step 2: Receive Credentials**: Once registration succeeds, your User ID and Password are dispatched to your registered mobile number by SMS and to your email (if provided). Retain these credentials for subsequent logins. - **Step 3: Login and User Profile Update**: Go back to the e-Kutir portal, key in your User ID, Password and Captcha, then press "Login". On the first login, you are required to complete your "User Profile" with all mandatory personal and organisational details. Fields pre-filled at registration cannot be altered at this stage. - **Step 4: Scheme Application**: Once you have logged in and completed your profile, the homepage lists schemes applicable to you. Select the "Handicraft Rebate Scheme" to open its online application form, which is usually split across several tabs. - **Step 5: Fill Application Form & Upload Documents**: Complete every mandatory field in the application form accurately. Upload each required document (identity proof, business registration, bank account details, prior rebate certification, among others) in the prescribed format and size. Where prompted, enter the corresponding document numbers. Use "Save & Next" to move between tabs. - **Step 6: Review and Submit**: Check all entered information and uploaded documents carefully. Correct anything that needs changing. Tick the designated checkbox to acknowledge and accept the terms and conditions, declaration and privacy policy. - **Step 7: Generate Application Number**: Pressing "Save & Next" on the last tab generates a unique application number, shown on screen. Record this number — it is needed for future reference and status tracking. You may also print a copy of your application using the "Print Application" button. - **Application Modification**: Should your application be returned for revision, a "Modify" button appears, enabling you to edit and resubmit it. - **Helpdesk/Grievance**: For assistance, call 9909926280 / 9909926180 or contact your District Industries Centre (DIC).

Applications are submitted through the e-Kutir portal and are subsequently reviewed by the Commissionerate of Cottage and Rural Industries, Government of Gujarat. The assessment covers three areas: the applicant's eligibility, the genuineness of the handicraft production, and the correctness of the documents filed, which include the earlier rebate certification.

Where verification is successful, the rebate entitlements are taken forward for disbursement through the e-voucher system.