Srinagar, April 17 -- The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, has extended the deadline for submission of applications for the National Handicrafts Awards 2025, including the Shilp Guru Award and National Award, till April 30, 2026.

According to an official notification, the last date for submission of entries at Handicraft Service Centres and Regional Offices has been revised from the earlier deadline to April 30.

The ministry has also clarified the eligibility criteria for applicants. Only artisans holding Identity Cards issued on or before March 31, 2026, will be eligible to apply for the awards this year.

Artisans who have obtained their Identity Cards after March 31, 2026, will not be consid...