After a gap of six years, the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (KSHDCL) is set to revive its scheme of providing sandalwood to craftsmen at a 50% subsidy to support artisans and encourage youngsters to take up the dwindling craft of sandalwood carving, which has historically held a place of pride in the State.

The Corporation has announced this under the Support to Handicrafts Scheme. However, given the limited availability of raw material, only a section of artisans is likely to get the material in the first round.

H.R. Rajappa, managing director of KSHDCL, said the programme had been stalled owing to a shortage of raw material. KSHDCL collaborates with the Karnataka Forest Department to procure raw materials and provide it to artisans. “At present, the market price for 1 kg of sandalwood is ₹16,000, which will be provided to the artisans at ₹8,000 per kg,” said the managing director.

Mr. Rajappa said that to revive the programme, KSHDCL has procured one tonne of sandalwood from Dharwad, Shivamogga and Mysuru, besides neighbouring Kerala. The plan to revive the scheme was announced by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in his last Budget.

At present, the corporation has 700 registered artisans across Karnataka who specialise in carving artefacts using sandalwood and other woods such as teak and rosewood.

Mr. Rajappa explained: “While we understand that every artisan must be supported, at present we will be able to provide sandalwood to only 300 artisans. Each artisan will be given 3 to 4 kg of sandalwood at a subsidised price. There are project offices belonging to KSHDCL in each district, and an officer is being assigned to do this job. The artisans can approach these offices to procure the wood.”

The corporation plans to extend the programme and provide wood to the remaining artisans, subject to the availability of funds.

Though they do not have exact figures, KSHDCL officials agree that there were thousands of registered artisans some years ago, but the number has now fallen to a few hundred because younger generations have moved on to higher education and jobs that can make them socially and economically secure. “But there are other artisans in the industry who have not registered with us and continue to work. That number goes unaccounted,” said an officer.

To provide financial security to existing artisans, KSHDCL also purchases artefacts directly from them. “A committee fixes the price for each artefact. We purchase from them and sell them in Cauvery Handicrafts Emporiums across the State. The bills are paid in advance to the artisans and not put on hold. Our potential customers include corporate companies in India and abroad, foreign tourists and individuals from Karnataka and other states,” said Mr. Rajappa. “We have also introduced online shopping for the convenience of our customers and artisans,” he added.