PANAJI
The subsidy to artisans crafting Ganesh idols from clay has been doubled this year to Rs 200 per idol. Earlier, the artisans were disbursed subsidy at the rate of Rs 100 per idol as a measure to curb the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols which damage the environment.
A government official said, this subsidy has been doubled to Rs 200 per idol but an artisan will be permitted to claim the subsidy for a maximum of 250 idos.
Meanwhile, 411 artisans have applied to the Goa Handicrafts and Rural Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) for this subsidy.
A provision of Rs one crore has been made by the Finance Department to fund this subsidy which is disbursed to the artisans through the GHRSSIDC.
Only artisans registered with the Corporation are eligible for the subsidy. Fresh registration of artisans for the subsidy will be permitted only from next year, the corporation said.
