Hastkala Setu Yojana Gujarat 2026: Registration, Benefits, Achievements & Impact

Hastkala Setu Yojana is a Gujarat Government initiative that helps artisans, craftsmen, weavers, and rural entrepreneurs improve their livelihoods. The scheme provides skill development, mentorship, entrepreneurship training, and market linkage support to strengthen the handicraft sector.

The scheme addresses key challenges faced by traditional artisans, such as limited market access, lack of business knowledge, and low adoption of digital technologies. Through district-level rural incubators, it offers training, mentoring, and opportunities to connect with buyers, institutions, and new markets.

This programme is part of Gujarat State Government Initiatives focused on promoting rural entrepreneurship and strengthening the handicraft ecosystem in the state.

The programme has already made a significant impact across the state. More than 21,690 artisans have been registered under the scheme, over ₹102 crore in sales have been generated, and more than 50,000 employment opportunities have been created, highlighting its contribution to Gujarat's handicraft ecosystem.

Hastkala Setu Yojana Overview

Particulars	Details
Scheme Name	Hastkala Setu Yojana (HSY)
State	Gujarat
Implementing Authority	Commissioner of Cottage and Rural Industries
Knowledge Partner	Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad
Coverage	All 34 Districts of Gujarat
Beneficiaries	Artisans, Craftsmen, Weavers and Rural Entrepreneurs
Government Expenditure	Approximately ₹58 Crore
Official Website	https://hastkala.gujarat.gov.in/

How to Register for Hastkala Setu Yojana

Artisans and aspiring entrepreneurs in Gujarat can join the programme through the official online artisan onboarding portal.

Steps to Apply
Step 1: Visit the official Artisan Onboarding Portal.
Step 2: Select your district from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Enter details about your craft, trade, or skill.
Step 4: Provide your valid 10-digit mobile number.
Step 5: Click on the Submit Registration button.

After registration, programme representatives or field mentors may contact applicants for verification and onboarding support.

Registration Links
Artisan Onboarding Portal: 

https://hastkala.gujarat.gov.in/artisan-onboarding.php

Official Scheme Website:
https://hastkala.gujarat.gov.in/

Benefits Available After Registration

After becoming part of the programme, artisans may receive support in several areas, including:

• Entrepreneurship development training.
• Skill enhancement programmes.
• Mentor and expert guidance.
• Artisan documentation assistance.
• Udyam registration support.
• Credit linkage facilitation.
• Access to social security schemes.
• Product development and design support.
• Market linkage opportunities.
• Digital marketing and e-commerce training.

The objective is to integrate artisans into a complete ecosystem that supports long-term business growth.

Why Was Hastkala Setu Yojana Launched?

Hastkala Setu Yojana was introduced to strengthen Gujarat's handicraft and cottage industry ecosystem. The programme operates through district-level rural incubators that provide training, mentorship, innovation support, and market linkages.

Originally proposed for a three-year period beginning in 2019-20, the scheme was later extended until 2025-26. Over the years, it has evolved into a large-scale initiative supporting artisans from diverse craft sectors across the state.

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, serves as the knowledge and implementation partner and plays a key role in training, mentoring, and entrepreneurship development activities.

Objectives of Hastkala Setu Yojana

The key objectives of the scheme include:

• Establishing district-level rural incubators.
• Conducting entrepreneurship development programmes.
• Providing skill enhancement training.
• Creating market linkages for artisans.
• Facilitating industry and institutional collaborations.
• Developing mentor networks.
• Supporting traditional and endangered crafts.
• Promoting innovation and product development.
• Helping artisans gain national and international recognition.

Key Achievements of Hastkala Setu Yojana

The impact of the programme can be measured through the results achieved across Gujarat.

Extensive Reach Across Gujarat
The scheme has been implemented in all 34 districts of the state and has registered more than 21,690 artisans.

A notable feature of the programme is its strong participation from women. Approximately 82% of registered beneficiaries are women, making the scheme an important contributor to women's economic empowerment.

Inclusive Development
The programme has benefited artisans from different social categories:

• Scheduled Castes (SC): 21%
• Scheduled Tribes (ST): 20%
• Other Backward Classes (OBC): 34%

This highlights the scheme's contribution to inclusive growth and livelihood generation.

Training and Skill Development Support

One of the strongest pillars of Hastkala Setu Yojana is capacity building.

Under the programme:

• 15,586 artisans have received entrepreneurship development training.
• 9,292 artisans have undergone specialised skill development training.
• More than 70 master trainers have been engaged.
• Over 150 mentors provide continuous guidance and support.

These interventions help artisans improve both technical skills and business capabilities.

Market Linkages and Business Opportunities

Creating direct market access for artisans is a major focus area of the scheme.

Key achievements include:

• More than 9,300 artisans connected directly with markets through Business-to-Business (B2B) orders.
• Organisation of 7 B2B meets.
• Conducting 4 fashion shows that connected artisans with designers and buyers.

These initiatives have enabled artisans to expand their reach and identify new business opportunities.

Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Support

The programme has also helped artisans adapt to the changing business environment by embracing digital commerce.

More than 2,000 artisans have received digital marketing training and have been onboarded onto major e-commerce platforms such as:

• Amazon
• Flipkart Samarth
• Meesho
• Etsy

This support allows artisans to market their products beyond local and regional markets.

Economic Impact of the Scheme

The economic outcomes achieved under Hastkala Setu Yojana demonstrate its effectiveness as a livelihood support programme.

Major Performance Indicators

Indicator	Achievement
Registered Artisans	21,690+
Entrepreneurship Training	15,586
Skill Development Training	9,292
Artisans Linked to Markets	9,300+
Digital Marketing Training	2,000+
Total Sales Generated	₹102.08 Crore
Employment Opportunities Created	50,000+
Existing Artisans Supported	5,900+

The programme has generated total sales worth more than ₹102.08 crore and created over 50,000 employment opportunities.

Additionally, more than 5,900 existing artisans have received support and guidance to strengthen their businesses.

Improvement in Artisan Income

One of the most significant achievements of the programme is the increase in artisan income levels.

Before joining the scheme, only 9% of artisans earned more than ₹15,000 per month. Following training, mentorship, and market support, this figure increased to 50%.

The programme has also strengthened dependence on handicrafts as a primary source of livelihood.

• Earlier, only 20% of artisans relied mainly on handicrafts for income.
• Today, that figure has increased to 45%.

In addition, approximately 73% of artisans now gain direct market access through exhibitions, fairs, and promotional events.

Challenges Addressed Through the Programme

During implementation, several challenges were identified, including:

• Lack of documentation among artisans.
• Delays in financial coordination.
• Limited adoption of technology.
• Weak marketing mechanisms.

To overcome these issues, the Government of Gujarat focused on:

• Technology upgradation.
• Design innovation.
• Market diversification.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
• Digital empowerment initiatives.

These efforts have strengthened the overall handicraft ecosystem and improved long-term sustainability.

Why Hastkala Setu Yojana Matters

The importance of Hastkala Setu Yojana lies in its ecosystem-based approach. Rather than limiting support to financial assistance alone, the programme addresses multiple aspects of artisan development, including skill enhancement, entrepreneurship, mentorship, product innovation, and market access.

By helping artisans improve income, adopt modern business practices, and reach wider markets, the scheme contributes to both economic development and preservation of traditional crafts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Hastkala Setu Yojana?
Hastkala Setu Yojana is a Gujarat Government initiative that supports artisans through entrepreneurship development, skill enhancement, mentorship, and market linkage programmes.

Q2. Who can register under Hastkala Setu Yojana?
Artisans, craftsmen, weavers, handicraft workers, and aspiring rural entrepreneurs in Gujarat can register under the scheme.

Q3. How can I apply for Hastkala Setu Yojana?
You can apply through the official Artisan Onboarding Portal by selecting your district, entering your skill details, providing a mobile number, and submitting the registration form.

Q4. How many artisans have benefited from the scheme?
More than 21,690 artisans have been registered under the scheme across Gujarat.

Q5. How much expenditure has been incurred on the programme?
The Gujarat Government has spent approximately ₹58 crore on the implementation of Hastkala Setu Yojana.

Q6. What is the total sales value generated under the scheme?
Artisans supported under the programme have collectively generated sales worth more than ₹102.08 crore.

Q7. How many employment opportunities have been created?
The scheme has contributed to the creation of over 50,000 employment opportunities.

Q8. Does the scheme provide market support?
Yes. The programme provides B2B opportunities, exhibitions, fashion shows, digital marketing training, and e-commerce onboarding support for artisans.

Q9. What support is available after registration?
Registered artisans may receive mentorship, entrepreneurship training, skill development support, Udyam registration guidance, credit linkage assistance, market access opportunities, and digital marketing training.

Conclusion

Hastkala Setu Yojana has emerged as one of Gujarat's notable initiatives for strengthening the handicraft sector and supporting artisans. Through training, mentorship, digital empowerment, incubation support, and market connectivity, the programme has created meaningful opportunities for thousands of beneficiaries across the state.

With more than 21,690 registered artisans, sales exceeding ₹102 crore, and over 50,000 employment opportunities generated, the scheme demonstrates how targeted support can transform traditional skills into sustainable livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage for future generations.