The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) – Scholarship Component is a progressive initiative by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to promote the welfare of handloom weavers by supporting their children’s higher education. Active during 2021–22 to 2025–26, the scheme offers financial assistance of up to ₹2,00,000 per annum along with a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 for pursuing diploma, graduate, or postgraduate studies in recognized textile and technical institutions across India.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Launched By: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
• Implemented Under: National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
• Target Group: Children of registered handloom weavers/workers
• Courses Covered: 3/4-year Diploma, Graduate, Postgraduate in Textile/Technical fields
• Financial Support: Up to ₹2,00,000 per annum including tuition + ₹5,000 monthly stipend
• Scholarship Duration: Annual (Renewable based on academic progression)
• Fund Disbursement: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the bank account of the beneficiary
Benefits
Academic Coverage
• Tuition Fees, Admission Fees, Exam Fees, and other annual institutional charges are reimbursed as per actuals
• Annual cap: ₹2,00,000 per student or actuals, whichever is lower
Monthly Stipend
• ₹5,000/month, paid directly through DBT
• Cumulative stipend forms part of the ₹2,00,000 annual cap
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• Funds are transferred to the bank account of the weaver/worker or their child
• Payment initiated post-verification by Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC) and Zonal Office
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a child of a registered handloom weaver/worker (Maximum of 2 children per family)
• Enrolled in a Central/State Government recognized and funded institution
• Must be pursuing a 3-year/4-year Diploma, Graduate, or Postgraduate course in Textiles or related disciplines
• Weaver must possess a valid Pehchan Card issued by the government
Application Process (Offline Submission via WSC)
Step 1: Fill the Application Form
• Download the prescribed application format
• Paste passport-sized photos (signed across)
• Fill in weaver and student details
• Attach all self-attested documents
Step 2: Submit to Concerned WSC
• Submit the filled form and supporting documents to the nearest Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC)
• WSC will verify and forward the proposal to the concerned Zonal Office
Step 3: Scrutiny & Fund Release
• Zonal Office scrutinizes proposals and sends fund request to the District Collector (Handlooms)
• Funds are released to the Zonal Office for onward DBT transfer
Documents Required
For Handloom Weaver/Worker
• Passport-size photo (Self-attested)
• Pehchan Card Copy
• Aadhaar Card Copy
• Address Proof
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
For Student (Child)
• Passport-size photo (Self-attested)
• Aadhaar Card Copy
• Date of Birth Proof (Matric Certificate)
• Admission Proof from the institution
• Annual fee structure of the course
• Marksheet of last annual exam (for renewals)
• Admission Proof for next academic year (for renewals)
• Bank Details: Account number, IFSC, Cancelled Cheque/Mandate Form
• Undertaking confirming no financial assistance received from any other source
Scholarship Disbursement Guidelines
• First-year scholarship is paid after admission confirmation
• From second year onwards, disbursement is made upon:
-
Submission of previous year’s marksheet
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Proof of admission in the next academic year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is there an age limit for the children of handloom weavers who can apply for this scholarship?
The scheme does not mention an age limit for the children of handloom weavers who can apply. - Can you explain the role of the District Collector (DC) (Handlooms)?
The DC (Handlooms) is responsible for sanctioning and releasing funds to the concerned zonal office for onward transfer to the bank account of the handloom weaver/worker or their children. - How is the proposal submitted by the concerned WSC processed at the Zonal Office?
The Zonal Office scrutinizes the proposal and sends the requirement of funds, along with relevant details, to the head office for sanction/release of funds by the District Collector (DC) (Handlooms). - What is the role of the concerned Weavers’ Service Center (WSC) in the application process?
The WSC plays a crucial role in verifying and attesting the documents provided by handloom weavers/workers and forwarding the complete proposal to the Zonal Office. - What are the submission requirements for subsequent years’ scholarships?
Subsequent years’ scholarships are paid upon submission of the proposal, along with a copy of the mark sheet for the annual exam and admission proof for the next academic session from the relevant institution. - How is the first-year scholarship disbursed?
The first-year scholarship is paid after the admission of the ward of handloom weavers/workers. - Is there an additional stipend provided to scholarship recipients?
Yes, in addition to academic fees, eligible candidates receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, subject to a maximum of ₹2,00,000 per child per annum or actuals, whichever is less. - What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, admission fees, examination fees, and other annual fees/charges required by the academic institution. - How is the scholarship amount disbursed?
The scholarship amount is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly to the bank account of the concerned handloom weaver/worker or their children. - What educational institutions are eligible for this scholarship?
Central and State government-recognised and funded Textile Institutions are eligible for this scholarship. - Can you clarify the need-based approach mentioned in the scheme?
The need-based approach means that the scholarship is provided based on the financial needs of the handloom weavers’ children, ensuring that those who require it the most receive support. - What is the financial support offered under this scholarship?
The scholarship provides a maximum of ₹2,00,000 per annum for up to 2 children of handloom weavers/workers for pursuing diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses at recognized government-funded textile institutions. - How long is the NHDP Scholarship Component intended to be implemented?
The scheme is designed to be implemented from the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26.