The Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) has approved a ₹1.05 crore subsidy for traditional clay idol makers in the state.
Under the Clay Idols Subsidy Scheme, registered artisans are eligible for a subsidy of ₹200 per clay idol, with a maximum limit of 250 idols per artisan per year.
For 2025, GHRSSIDC received 410 applications, of which 406 beneficiaries were found eligible following scrutiny and inspections. A total of 52,563 clay idols have been registered, with the subsidy amount working out to ₹1,05,12,600.
The highest number of beneficiaries are from Bicholim (114), followed by Pernem (82) and Ponda (57).
GHRSSIDC has also made more than 400 clay Ganesh idols available for sale at subsidised rates at the Craft Complex, Neuginagar, Mala, Panaji.
Besides Ganesh idols, GHRSSIDC will also sell clay Nagoba idols for Nag Panchami and Bal Krishna idols for Janmashtami. Clay Ganesh idols made by students of Sanjay School will also be made available for sale.
GHRSSIDC Managing Director Gauresh Pilgaonkar has appealed to the people of Goa to purchase the clay idols and support traditional artisans as well as the students of Sanjay School.
