Providing Latest Technology to Group of Pottery Artisans (Energy Efficient Kiln)

The Gujarat Matikam Kalakari & Rural Technology Institute, operating under the Industries & Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, administers the "Providing Latest Technology to Group of Pottery Artisans (Energy Efficient Kiln)" scheme. This initiative targets traditional pottery artisans across the state, addressing issues such as outdated technology, low productivity, and health risks from conventional kilns. The introduction of modern, energy-efficient kilns and equipment is intended to improve working conditions, raise efficiency, and enhance product quality for these craftspeople.

Financial assistance covers 100% of the cost for developing and installing energy-efficient kilns, with a unit cost ceiling of ₹83,000. This support enables artisan groups to adopt advanced technology without taking on debt. The scheme also furthers sustainable development through energy conservation and a reduced environmental impact from pottery production. It additionally mitigates health and safety risks associated with traditional firing methods. This approach strengthens the economic viability of pottery enterprises while supporting the preservation of Gujarat's cultural heritage by equipping artisans with tools for a sustainable future.

**Step 1: New Registration** - Go to the eKutir portal and select "For New Individual Registration, click Here" located in the right pane. - Complete all required fields: Full Name, Aadhaar Card Number, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, E-mail, and Password. - Type the Captcha Code and press "Register". - Verify the details shown in the pop-up. Your User ID and Password will be delivered via SMS or email.

**Step 2: Login and User Profile Update** - Return to the eKutir portal, enter your User ID, Password, and Captcha Code in the "Login to Portal" section, then press "Login". - On your first login, fill out the "User Profile" with all mandatory personal and organisational details.

**Step 3: Scheme Application** - Once logged in and your profile is complete, choose the scheme "Providing Latest Technology to Group of Pottery Artisans (Energy Efficient Kiln)" from the homepage. - Fill in every mandatory field across the various tabs of the online application form. - Upload all required documents in the prescribed format and size, and enter the corresponding document numbers. - Use "Save & Next" to move through the tabs.

**Step 4: Review and Submit** - Check all entered information and uploaded documents carefully. Make any necessary corrections. - Accept the terms and conditions. - Pressing "Save & Next" on the final tab will generate a unique application number; note this down for future use. - You may optionally print a copy of your application for your records.

**Application Printing and Modification** - If your application is sent back for changes, a "Modify" button will appear, letting you edit and resubmit.

**Helpdesk/Grievance Redressal** - For assistance, call 9909926280 / 9909926180 or reach out to your District Industries Centre (DIC).

**Check Application Status** - Go to the Application Status page, enter your Application Number and Date of Birth, then click "View Status".

A dedicated committee, drawn from the Gujarat Matikam Kalakari & Rural Technology Institute and the Industries & Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, typically handles application reviews. The first stage checks that every eligibility condition is satisfied and that all necessary paperwork has been filed correctly. Afterwards, the committee weighs each applicant's hands-on engagement in pottery, the fit of their current workspace for the new kiln, and their dedication to running a sustainable pottery enterprise with the energy-efficient technology.

Although the scheme does not spell out the details, shortlisted candidates may undergo a verification step, which could include site visits or interviews, to gauge their operational readiness and confirm the accuracy of their business claims. The concluding decision seeks to pick groups of artisans who stand to gain the most from the technology and will put it to good use, thereby fulfilling the scheme's aims of better productivity, product quality, and worker health.