Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT)

The Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT) is a scheme run by the Government of Tamil Nadu through its Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME). The purpose of the scheme is to empower artisans and craftspersons by providing credit-linked subsidy, interest subsidy, skill/entrepreneurial development and support for 25 listed trades. The benefit to you, as an artisan or trade person, is improved access to credit, reduced cost of investment, and support in upgrading or starting your enterprise.

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process for the Scheme

Key Features

Inclusive coverage of 25 recognised trades: The scheme covers 25 specified crafts and trades, allowing participation by persons engaged in diverse artisan/trade fields. msmeonline
Credit assistance (loans) up to ₹ 3 lakh: Eligible persons can access credit support in the range of up to ₹ 3 lakh for trade establishment or up-gradation.
Capital subsidy of 25% (up to ~₹ 50,000): The government provides subsidy on the loan taken, typically 25% of project cost capped at around ₹ 50,000.
Interest subsidy of ~5%: To reduce cost of borrowing, the scheme provides an interest-subvention of about 5%.
Minimum age requirement of 35 years: Applicants must be at least 35 years old to apply under this scheme.
Trade experience requirement of minimum 5 years: Applicants must have at least five years’ experience in one of the listed trades to qualify.
Not restricted to family-traditional or caste-based trades: The scheme emphasises inclusivity and does not limit eligibility to traditional family trades or particular caste-based occupations.
Annual target of ~10,000 artisans/beneficiaries: The scheme sets a target to benefit about 10,000 persons per year in Tamil Nadu.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation & Example
Loan / Credit Support	Up to ₹ 3 lakh	You as an eligible artisan can obtain a loan up to ₹ 3 lakh for setting up or expanding your craft business.
Capital Subsidy	25% of project cost, max ~₹ 50,000	Example: If you borrow ₹ 2 lakh, you may get ~₹ 50,000 as subsidy (25%) reducing your repayment burden.
Interest Subsidy	Approx 5%	The government will subsidise about 5% of interest cost on your sanctioned loan, reducing effective interest you pay.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply:

Must be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
Minimum age of 35 years.
At least 5 years’ experience in one of the 25 listed trades.
Engaged (or willing to engage) in one of the 25 recognised trades/crafts.

Who cannot apply:

Applicants below 35 years of age are not eligible.
Persons not engaged in the recognised trades are not eligible.
The scheme is not limited by caste or family-heritage of trade. It explicitly allows non-hereditary trades.
If you have already availed large subsidy benefits (as per state rules) may affect eligibility (check latest guidelines).

Documents Required

Aadhaar card and PAN card
Proof of residence (utility bill, Aadhaar address)
Proof of age (Birth certificate or Aadhaar)
Experience certificate/trade registration – showing minimum 5 years in selected trade
Bank account passbook or details
Project cost estimate / loan application schedule

Application Process for the Scheme

Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)

Click here to start with guided support. Our team verifies eligibility, compiles documents, and handles application & follow-ups on your behalf. You can monitor progress while focusing on operations.
Recommended for: Lean teams. Designed to save you time and effort. Access expert help from start to finish.

Option 2: Official Government Process

Visit the official portal of the Tamil Nadu MSME department and navigate to the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam section.
Register (if new) and fill in the online application form with personal, trade and project details.
Upload required documents – proof of age, residence, trade experience or project proposal, bank account, etc.
Submit the form and await verification and sanction of assistance.
If approved, complete required training/entrepreneurship development, receive sanction letter, and avail loan/subsidy from cooperating financial institution.
Begin your artisan business or scale existing trade, and comply with monitoring/reporting as required by scheme.

Option 3: Offline Approach via District MSME Office

Visit your local District MSME/Artisans office in Tamil Nadu for guidance and form assistance.
They may help you with offline/assisted submission, verification of trade eligibility, schedule training, link you with financial institution.
After local endorsement, proceed to online portal submission or follow the local office’s mode of application.

Power Combos with The Scheme