Shri Vajpayee Bankable Yojana empowers 74K artisans in Gujarat

Gandhinagar : The Gujarat government’s “Shri Vajpayee Bankable Yojana” has emerged as a transformative initiative for artisans involved in cottage, village industries, and handicrafts. Over the past three years, more than 74,000 artisans in the state have benefited from a subsidy amounting to ₹634 crore, enabling them to enhance their financial stability and improve their quality of life.

Under this scheme, the government is providing financial assistance along with skill enhancement, technology upgradation, market promotion, and infrastructure development. As a result, artisans are witnessing increased income and better livelihood opportunities.

Financial Assistance Over the Years

The scheme has consistently provided financial aid to a significant number of artisans. In the financial year 2022-23, ₹197.53 crore was distributed to 23,659 beneficiaries. This assistance increased to ₹232.74 crore for 28,049 artisans in 2023-24. By January 2024-25, ₹204.40 crore had already been allocated to 23,077 beneficiaries. With these allocations, a total of ₹634 crore has been granted as subsidy assistance since the scheme’s implementation.

Recognizing the success of this initiative, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, along with Cottage, Khadi, and Village Industries Minister Balwantsinh Rajput and Minister of State Jagdish Vishwakarma, have introduced significant enhancements under the Cottage and Village Industries Policy 2024. For the upcoming year 2025-26, the maximum loan amount has been increased from ₹8 lakh to ₹25 lakh, while the subsidy cap has been raised from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹3.75 lakh.

Eligibility and Benefits

The Shri Vajpayee Bankable Yojana aims to provide self-employment opportunities to unemployed youth in both urban and rural Gujarat. Financial loans are offered through nationalized, cooperative, public sector, and private banks. The scheme is also inclusive of disabled and visually impaired individuals.

To qualify for the scheme, artisans must be between 18 and 65 years old. They should have completed at least Standard 4 or undergone a minimum of three months of training from a private institution or one month from a government-recognized institution. Alternatively, they should have one year of experience in their trade or belong to a hereditary artisan family. Notably, there is no income restriction to avail of the scheme’s benefits.

Currently, artisans can access loans up to ₹8 lakh for industries, services, and trade sectors. Additionally, the government provides a maximum subsidy of ₹1.25 lakh. With the revised policy for 2025-26, these financial limits are set to increase, ensuring even greater support for artisans.

Online Application for Convenience

To facilitate easy and transparent access to the scheme, the government has digitized the application process. Beneficiaries can apply online from their homes via the official website www.blp.gujarat.gov.in, making it easier for artisans to receive financial aid without bureaucratic delays.