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 This initiative targets traditional pottery artisans in the state, addressing issues such as outdated technology, low productivity, and health risks from conventional kilns. The programme introduces modern, energy-efficient kilns and equipment to improve working conditions, efficiency, and 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 upgrade infrastructure without taking on debt. The scheme also encourages energy conservation and lowers the environmental impact of pottery production, while reducing safety hazards from traditional firing methods. It aims to strengthen the economic position of pottery enterprises and sustain Gujarat's cultural heritage by equipping artisans with tools for long-term viability.

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

**Step 2: Login and User Profile Update** - Access the eKutir portal again, enter your User ID, Password, and Captcha Code under "Login to Portal", and click "Login". - On your first login, fill out the "User Profile" with all mandatory personal and organisational fields.

**Step 3: Scheme Application** - Once logged in and your profile is complete, choose the scheme titled "Providing Latest Technology to Group of Pottery Artisans (Energy Efficient Kiln)" from the homepage. - Complete every mandatory field across the various tabs of the online application form. - Attach all necessary 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. Amend anything that needs correction. - Accept the terms and conditions. - Pressing "Save & Next" on the last tab will produce a unique application number; note this down for future use. - You may optionally print the application for your own records.

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

**Helpdesk/Grievance Redressal** - For assistance, phone 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, and 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 required paperwork has been filed correctly. Afterwards, each application is judged on the applicant's hands-on role 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 this out, shortlisted candidates may undergo a verification step, which could include site visits or interviews, to confirm their operational readiness and the truthfulness of their declared business. The concluding decision seeks to choose groups of artisans who stand to gain the most from the supplied technology and will put it to good use, thereby fulfilling the scheme's aims of better productivity, product quality, and worker health.