(a) the details of criteria and procedure laid down by the Government to provide support to the craftspersons in the form of pension;
(b) the number of craftsperson who received pension during the year 2015-16 and the number of new additions to the list in 2015-16;
(c) whether the Government is contemplating to raise the pension for the craftsperson; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF TEXTILES
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a): The criterion laid down by the Government to provide support to the craftsperson in the form of pension is enumerated hereunder :-
1. The applicant craftsperson should be the recipient of Shilp Guru Award, National Award, National Merit Certificate or State Award.
2. The Annual Income of the Artisan should be less than Rs. 50,000/- (Rs. Fifty Thousand Only).
3. The applicant should not be a recipient of similar financial assistance from any other source.
4. The applicant artisan should not be less than 60 years of age on the date of application. Age may be relaxed in case of artisan with disabilities.
(b): Total 254 Artisans have received pension during the year 2015-16. 24 new mastercraftspersons were selected for the financial assistance during 2015-16.
(c) & (d): The Financial Assistance provided during the year 2015-16 was Rs. 3,000/- per month which has been raised to Rs. 3,500/- during the year 2016-17.
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