Tamil Nadu Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT)

The Tamil Nadu Government launched the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT) in 2024 to support traditional artisans and craft workers across the state. Under this scheme, eligible artisans can access a bank loan up to Rs. 3 lakh with a 25% capital subsidy capped at Rs. 50,000. The scheme is implemented by the MSME Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, and applications are processed through District Industries Centres (DICs) across all 38 districts.

Introduction of Tamil Nadu Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT): A Brief Insight

Imagine a carpenter in Tamil Nadu who has been doing his work for 15 years. He is skilled. He knows his craft well. But he does not have enough money to buy better tools, set up a proper shop, or grow his business. He wants to do more – but capital is the problem. The Tamil Nadu Government launched the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT) in 2024, exactly for people like him.

This scheme was announced during the Budget 2024-25 and officially notified through G.O.(MS) No.64 dated 06.12.2024. It is named after former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and implemented by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. The scheme targets 25 traditional artisanal trades – from tailoring and pottery to jewel making, weaving, and fishnet making. The government has set a budget of Rs. 20 crore and aims to benefit at least 10,000 artisans every year. As of now, over 6,076 applications have already been received and more than Rs. 2,804 lakh in subsidy has been processed.

The objective of this scheme is simple – to turn skilled artisans into proper business owners. The government realised that many craft workers have years of experience but no formal support. So KKT gives them three things together: money, training, and market access.

Now, let us understand what benefits you actually get. Under KKT, eligible artisans receive a bank loan of up to Rs. 3 lakh – and this loan requires no collateral. You do not need to pledge any property or asset to get it. On top of that, the government gives a 25% subsidy on the loan amount, capped at Rs. 50,000. So if you take a loan of Rs. 2 lakh, you get Rs. 50,000 directly waived off. The loan comes at just 5% effective interest rate through TAICO Bank, because the government pays 2% as interest subvention on your behalf. Along with the money, you also get free skill development training, Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training, access to modern tools and common facility centres, and support to list your products on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, GeM, and Poompuhar.

Now, who can apply for this scheme? The scheme is designed for experienced artisans. To be eligible, you must be 35 years of age or above and must have at least 5 years of hands-on experience in one of the 25 listed trades. You should be planning to start a new business or take up a new activity in your trade, not just expand an existing large setup. There is no income limit – anyone from any income group can apply. Only one person per family can avail the benefit.

Applying for this scheme is completely online and free of cost. You visit the official portal at msmeonline.tn.gov.in/kkt/index.php, register with your Aadhaar number and mobile number, fill in your trade details, upload your documents, and submit. After that, the District Industries Centre (DIC) in your district verifies your application and forwards it to a bank for loan processing. Once the bank gives provisional sanction, your skill training starts. After training, the loan is disbursed and the subsidy is adjusted.

If you get stuck at any step or need guidance, walk into your nearest District Industries Centre (DIC). Tamil Nadu has DICs in all 38 districts. For grievances, visit grievance.fametn.com.

Women artisans looking for additional dedicated support can also check the Tamil Nadu Women Entrepreneurs Empowerment Scheme (TWEES), which offers special benefits for women-led enterprises in Tamil Nadu.

To explore all government welfare schemes of Tamil Nadu in one place, visit: All Tamil Nadu Government Schemes.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The KKT scheme provides financial, skill-based, and marketing support to artisans across Tamil Nadu.

• Bank loan support of up to Rs. 3 lakh – collateral-free, disbursed in up to 2 tranches.
• 25% capital subsidy on the loan amount, maximum Rs. 50,000.
• Interest subvention up to 5% – effective rate just 5% for TAICO Bank loans.
• 90% credit guarantee cover for loans under the Tamil Nadu Credit Guarantee Scheme (TNCGS).
• Free skill development training by Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC).
• Free Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training for business management skills.
• Access to Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and modern trade-specific tools.
• Support for branding, packaging, and quality certification of products.
• Assistance for e-commerce onboarding on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, GeM, Poompuhar, and ONDC.
• Support for trade fair and exhibition participation through FaMeTN.
• Facilitation for Udyam/MSME registration for access to government benefits.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions set by the Tamil Nadu MSME Department:

• Applicant must be 35 years of age or above.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in any one of the 25 approved artisan trades.
• Must be planning to start a new business or diversify existing craft-based work.
• Must not have received a subsidy above Rs. 1.5 lakh under any Tamil Nadu self-employment scheme in the last 5 years.
• The scheme is for new or diversified activities only – not for expansion of already established enterprises.
• No income ceiling – any artisan from any income group can apply.
• One application per family (family = spouse and unmarried children).
• Applicant must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.

25 Artisan Trades Covered Under KKT

The scheme covers the following 25 identified artisanal trades:

• Carpentry.
• Metal works. (blacksmithery, armouring, tool works)
• Masonry.
• Painting.
• Glassworks.
• Stucco works. (Sudhai velai)
• Boat making.
• Lock making.
• Sculpting / Stone carving.
• Pottery. (including terracotta works)
• Basket, mat, broom making and rope weaving.
• Doll/ Toy making.
• Garland making.
• Fishnet making.
• Tailoring.
• Jewel making.
• Hair designing and grooming.
• Washing, ironing and laundry.
• Leather handicrafts and footwear making.
• Traditional musical instrument making.
• Weaving and embroidery.
• Traditional textile printing.
• Beadworks.
• Bamboo, cane, jute, and palm leaf work.
• Tribal natural harvests and artisanal products.

Documents Required to be Attached

Keep the following documents ready before starting the online application:

• Aadhaar Card – for identity and residence proof.
• Active Mobile Number – linked to Aadhaar for OTP verification.
• Bank Account Details – for subsidy and loan processing.
• Project Report (DPR) – with equipment/machinery quotes. Template available on the portal.
• Welfare Board Registration Card – if registered with any trade welfare board.
• Self-Declaration of Experience – if not registered with any welfare board.
• PAN Card – required at the bank stage, not mandatory at the online application stage.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

The application process is fully online through the official MSME Tamil Nadu portal. There is no fee to apply. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the official KKT portal – msmeonline.tn.gov.in/kkt/index.php. Check your eligibility first using the “Check Your Eligibility” tool available on the same page.

Step 2: Click on “Login / Registration”. If you are a new user, click “Register”. Enter your name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and create a password. Enter the captcha and click Register.

Step 3: Log in using your mobile number (or email ID) and password. Enter the captcha to proceed.

Step 4: Fill in the application form – your trade, years of experience, business plan details, and proposed use of funds.

Step 5: Upload all required documents – Aadhaar, DPR (project report), welfare board card (if available), and self-declaration (if applicable).

Step 6: Review all details carefully and click “Submit”. Save your application number for future reference.

Step 7: The District Industries Centre (DIC) Task Force Committee will verify your application. You may be called for document verification or a brief interaction.

Step 8: After DIC approval, your application gets forwarded to a bank for loan sanction. Once the bank gives provisional sanction, your skill training begins through TNSDC.

Step 9: Complete skill training and EDP training as instructed. After training completion, the first loan tranche is released and the subsidy is adjusted against it.

You can track your application status anytime at: msmeonline.tn.gov.in – Track Your Status.

Important Links Available

• Online Application of Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam Tamil Nadu.
• Application Status of Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam Tamil Nadu.
• Official Guidelines of Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam Tamil Nadu.
• Official Website of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department Tamil Nadu.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Tamil Nadu Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department Contact Numbers.

For scheme-related queries, contact your nearest District Industries Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following questions will help you understand the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT) in a simple way.

1. What is the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT)?

It is a Tamil Nadu Government scheme that gives artisans a collateral-free loan up to Rs. 3 lakh, a 25% subsidy, skill training, and marketing support to help them start or modernise their craft-based business.

Which department runs the KKT scheme?

The MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, runs this scheme.

Who can apply for Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam?

Artisans aged 35 years or above with at least 5 years of experience in any of the 25 listed trades can apply.

How much loan and subsidy does the scheme provide?

You can get a bank loan up to Rs. 3 lakh. The subsidy is 25% of the loan amount, capped at Rs. 50,000.

Is collateral required to get the loan under KKT?

No. The loan under this scheme is completely collateral-free.

Is there any income limit to apply?

No. There is no income ceiling. Any eligible artisan can apply regardless of their income.

What is the interest rate on the loan?

TAICO Bank offers loans at 7% interest. With 2% interest subvention, the effective rate for the beneficiary becomes just 5%. For other banks, the government provides 5% interest subvention directly.

Can I apply if I already have a running business?

You can apply only if you plan to start a new or diversified activity. The scheme does not support the expansion of already established businesses.

Where do I apply for this scheme?

Apply online at msmeonline.tn.gov.in/kkt/index.php. The process is fully online and free.

Is training mandatory under the KKT scheme?

Yes. Skill development training and EDP training are mandatory. The first loan tranche is released only after training is completed.

How many trades are covered under this scheme?

25 artisanal trades are covered, including carpentry, tailoring, pottery, jewellery making, weaving, fishnet making, and more.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.