Master craftsmen who have distinguished themselves in any one or more of the traditional handicrafts of Kerala will be eligible for pension under these rules.

The income of the applicant from all sources shall not exceed Rs. 150/- per mensum

a) The applicant shall not be below 60 years of age on the date of application.
b) Age may be relaxed in the case of disabled craftsmen.

The applicant should have resided in Kerala State for a continuous period of not less than 10 years on the date of application

The applicant should not have been convicted of any criminal offence or moral turpitude.

The recipients of financial assistance from other source shall not be eligible for assistance under the scheme.

NATURE OF ASSISTANCE
The amount of pension shall be Rs. 250/ per month.

PERIOD OF ASSISTANCE
The pension shall be payable till death/income exceeds Rs. 250/- per mensum.

MODE OF APPLICATION
1) Applications for grant of old age pension to craftsmen in indigent circumstances shall be submitted in the prescribed form appended, in triplicate to the District Industries Officer/Deputy Director as the case may be of the District in which the applicant resides.

2) The following certificates as appended to the application shall accompany the application.

a) Tahasildar’s certificate of financial position of the applicant.

b) A declaration to the effect that the applicant is not in receipt of financial assistance from any other source.

c) School Certificate showing age or medical certificate for age.

d) Certificate from the Tahsildar to the effect that the applicant has been a resident in Kerala State for a continuous period of not less than 10 years prior to the date of application.

e) The applicant is not convicted of any criminal offence or moral turpitude.

Application shall be submitted to the concerned General Manager District Industries Officer.

SELECTION OF RECIPIENTS
The applications will be finally considered and selection made by the Director of Industries and Commerce.

DISBURSEMENT OF ASSISTANCE
The assistance will be disbursed by the General Manager of the concerned District Industries Centre on the basis of the authorization from Director of Industries and Commerce