Delhi govt triples prize money, expands categories in handicraft awards: Sirsa

The Delhi Government has approved and implemented a reform in the state Handicraft Awards Scheme, by enhancing the prize money by three times, expanding award categories and also updating the nomenclature to align with cultural ethos and national standards.

This step has been taken under the Promotion of Handicraft plan scheme, marking the first such overhaul in the past 12 years.

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Speaking in this regard, Delhi minister for industries Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, “After more than a decade, this long-overdue reform recognizes the real worth of our artisans.”

Sirsa has said that the government has tripled the prize money and introduced inclusive categories so that more craftspeople, especially women, young talent, and specially-abled artisans can participate and be celebrated.

“Our artisans are the soul of Bharat, and this recognition is a tribute to their contribution,” Sirsa added.

The award structure, last revised in 2013–14, had not kept pace with inflation and evolving craftsmanship standards.

The Delhi government’s revised framework increases the Rajya Shilpkaar Puraskar (State Award) from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1,00,000 and the Rajya Dakshata Puraskar (State Merit Award) from Rs 20,000 to Rs 75,000.

It is believed that the revised prize money will also attract established artisans who earlier did not participate due to low prize amounts.

In addition, the number of awards has been expanded to ensure wider participation, with six Rajya Shilpkaar Puraskars (including one exclusively for women) and 18 Rajya Dakshata Puraskars across diverse craft disciplines.

“We are introducing new categories for startups, young artisans, and design innovation, while ensuring that traditional crafts get their due respect and recognition,” Sirsa said.

The Delhi Government has also introduced exclusive awards for women and divyang artisans, ensuring representation and opportunity across all sections of the crafts community, the minister said.

The new nomenclature — Rajya Shilpkaar Puraskar and Rajya Dakshata Puraskar — replaces the earlier English titles to evoke a deeper connection with Indian identity and cultural pride.

According to the minister, the revised guidelines, prepared in line with the policy of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, were circulated among leading artisans and institutions between May and July 2025. While the feedback received was positive, there was appreciation for the initiative.

“Our government stands firmly with the artisan community,” Sirsa expressed, adding that, “From organizing Vastra Katha fashion showcases and Swadeshi Melas to launching new skill development programmes, we are committed to reviving traditional crafts and expanding market linkages.”