Govt. to launch ₹50-cr. scheme to train youth in handicrafts

The Delhi government on Monday announced a ₹50-crore scheme to train artisans, unemployed youth, and those from underprivileged backgrounds in handicrafts.

Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the program, to be run by the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board, will train over 13,900 people in 2025-26, focusing on self-employment and wage jobs and guaranteeing 20% and 50% jobs in both categories. “This scheme aims to preserve our centuries-old techniques of Indian handloom and create jobs for young people,” he said. “We are blending heritage crafts with AI and digital skills to make our artisans future ready.”

The scheme offers courses in apparel merchandising, IT help desk support, self-employed tailoring, khadi and handloom fashion, and includes a 10-day entrepreneurship development programme, according to the official release. It will provide toolkits to 2,500 artisans and exposure visits to 500, helping them gain real-world experience. Trainees will receive a monthly stipend of ₹400 for up to five months and certificates upon completion, it stated.

Furthermore, at least 50% of training spots are to be reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections and women, to ensure inclusive growth. Training centres will be set up in every Delhi district to make the program easily accessible.

“This program is part of our commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and giving our youth skills that match modern industry needs while preserving traditional crafts,” said Mr. Sirsa. The initiative aligns with national efforts like the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and encourages self-reliance through sustainable employment, the statement read.