USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/ Crafts for Development)

• The USTTAD Scheme was launched in 2015 to preserve the rich heritage of traditional arts/crafts of minorities.
• It is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Ministry of Minority affairs.
• The scheme aims at
  • capacity building and updating the traditional skills of master craftsmen/artisans
  • documentation of identified traditional arts/crafts of minorities; set standards for traditional skills
  • training of minority youths in various identified traditional arts/crafts through master craftsmen; and
  • develop national and international market linkages.

Eligible Trainees/beneficiaries 

• The trainee should belong to a minority community. However, to promote inter-community solidarity, 25% candidates belonging to BPL families of non-minority communities may also be considered. In addition, 3% seats will also be reserved for differently abled persons belonging to minority communities.
• The trainee should be between 14-35 years of age. Upper age limit may be relaxed for differently abled persons belonging to minorities.
• The minimum qualification of a trainee should be at least Class V. This may also be relaxed for differently abled persons belonging to minorities.
• More than one member of a family is eligible for training in the same art/craft form, provided she/he fulfills the eligibility criteria.

Why in News?

• The number of beneficiaries under the USTAAD scheme for the year 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 are 16,200, 3465 and 3465 respectively. The training during the last two years could not be conducted due to Covid pandemic.

Reference:

1. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1807701