New Charkha-Loom Scheme

The New Charkha-Loom Scheme is administered by the Commissioner of Cottage and Rural Industries, operating under the Industries & Mines Department of the Government of Gujarat. It provides financial assistance to registered Khadi spinners and weavers for the purchase of Amber Charkhas and looms, with the aim of modernising production methods in the state's Khadi sector.

The scheme supports technological upgrades within the cottage industry, seeking to improve productivity and efficiency among artisans. It is intended to preserve hand-spun and hand-woven textile traditions while helping artisans compete in current markets. The initiative also works to protect livelihoods in rural and semi-urban areas of Gujarat.

The application procedure for the New Charkha-Loom Scheme is carried out entirely offline, which makes it accessible to artisans throughout Gujarat.

- **Step 1: Purchase the Equipment** – Applicants are required to buy the new Amber Charkha or loom from a vendor who is approved for this purpose. This step ensures the equipment is available for inspection and verification. - **Step 2: Collect the Application Form** – The next step is to visit a local Khadi institution, a Cottage Industries Office, or the nearest District Industries Center (DIC) to obtain the prescribed form for claiming the subsidy. Authorised personnel at these locations will provide the official format. - **Step 3: Fill the Form and Attach Documents** – The form must be completed with all mandatory fields accurately filled in. It is essential to attach copies of every required supporting document, including purchase invoices for the equipment and valid proof of Khadi certification. - **Step 4: Submit and Obtain Acknowledgement** – The signed and completed application, together with all attachments, must be handed over to the designated staff at the relevant office. Applicants should ask for and keep a receipt or acknowledgement as evidence of their submission.

The selection process centres on verifying that applicants meet the stated eligibility criteria. After submission, applications are reviewed by the implementing Khadi institutions or government officials. This review involves cross-checking documents such as purchase invoices and Khadi certification, and may include a physical inspection of the equipment to confirm it matches scheme specifications and is intended for active Khadi production.

Once eligibility is confirmed and the application is approved, the subsidy is processed and credited directly to the beneficiary's account. The procedure aims to ensure that support reaches genuine beneficiaries for modernising their traditional craft.