(a) whether the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has
formulated/proposes to formulate any schemes for rural artisans of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise including Delhi;
(c) the details of the financial assistance provided by the NABARD for the purpose
during the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise, scheme-wise; and
(d) the number of artisans benefited therefrom during the aforesaid period State/ UT-wise?
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (Shri Namo Narain Meena )
(a) to (d):- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development(NABARD) has several Schemes
for the benefit of rural population, including rural artisans.
These include creation of Rural Innovation Fund(RIF), initiating Cluster Development Programme,
formulation of special credit card scheme i.e. Swarojgar Credit Card(SCC) Scheme, supporting
Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programmes(REDP) and Skill Development Programmes (SDP),
strengthening of Rural Haats, and creation of marketing opportunities for unorganized rural
producers, especially artisans.
NABARD has sanctioned 120 clusters in different States. Details attached as Annex I.
The cumulative number of Swarojgar Credit Cards, as on 31.3.2012, issued since inception was
13.06 lakhs involving credit limits of Rs. 5445.32 crore. The progress of last three years is
attached as Annex II.
As on 31.3.2012, under REDP, SDP cumulatively, around 6.93 lakh unemployed rural youth, including
artisans have been covered with financial support of Rs. 96.45 crore. Progress of last three
years is attached as Annex III.
Under Rural Haats, as on 31.3.2012, cumulative grant assistance of Rs. 16.90 crore has been
sanctioned for 383 Rural Haats across 23 States. Progress of last three years is attached as
Annex IV.