(A Government of Tamil Nadu Undertaking)
Based on the Announcement of the Hon’ble Chief Minister under
Rule 110 in the floor of Assembly, an award titled as “Living Craft Treasure Award” was introduced in the year 2013‑2014 to craftsperson’s of eminence who are above the age of 65 years. This award consists of a cash prize of Rs.1.00 lakh, a thamirapattiram, an eight gram gold medal and a certificate. This award is given to 10 artisans at a total cost of Rs.15.00 lakhs. This is the highest awards for handicrafts at state level.
Every year ten best artisans in the field who have contributed to the development of the crafts of Tamil Nadu are selected and given the Poompuhar State Award, which consists of a cash prize of Rs.50,000/, a four gram gold medal, tamirapathiram and a certificate. These state awardees are also eligible to get a monthly pension of Rs.3,500/- after completion of 60 years of age under the Government of India if they are economically backward.
The Poompuhar District Craft Award had been newly introduced in the year 2011-2012. This award consists of a cash prize of Rs.10,000/-, a silver medal and a certificate. A total of 85 craftsmen in 16 crafts are awarded these prizes every year. Out of which 17 women artisans selected to encourage them and to ensure self sustainability.
In order to ensure that the traditional handicrafts of Tamil Nadu survive and are passed on to the next generation, it is necessary to enthuse the youngsters in the field. In order to achieve this, a craft competition was introduced from the year 2013‑2014 onwards for artisans below 30 years of age. 150 artisans were chosen, duly honoured and given Rs.2000/- cash, silver medals and certificates. These competitions will be held in the important craft pockets.
In order to encourage the exporters of handicraft items, an award called “Handicrafts Exports Award” has been introduced from the year 2014-2015. The above award is to be given to two persons at a cost of Rs.2.50 lakhs every year. This award consist of a cash prize of Rs.40,000/-, 4 gm gold medal, one thamirapattiram and a certificate.
Handicraft items are usually made by a team of artisans. It is often difficult to single out an individual artisan for an award. A “Team Production Award” is therefore being introduced to honour teams of artisans who come together to produce an item. This award will be given to 3 groups at a cost of Rs.3.75 lakhs every year.
This awards consist of a cash prize of Rs.40,000/-, 4 gm gold medal, one thamirapattiram and a certificate.
Many artefacts produced by artisans are often of decorative or religious value. In order to encourage artisans to produce utility based handicrafts, an Award called “Utility Based Handicrafts Award” has been introduced. This award will be given to 3 artisans at a cost of Rs.3.75 lakhs every year. This awards consist of a cash prize of Rs.40, 000/-, 4 gm gold medal, one thamirapattiram and a certificate.
