What you get
- Issuing identity cards to each folk artiste. | - Under the scheme, the veteran and distressed folk-artistes who are above 60 years of age will get a monthly pension of ₹1000/-. | - The enlisted folk artists under the age of 60 years, who are engaged in publicity campaigns in different departments, have been receiving ₹1000/- per month as a retainer fee. | - The state government will arrange the minimum income for folk artists by engaging them in the public campaign programme on development projects such as Kannyasree, Yubasree, Sikshasree, etc. and programmes like Nirmal Bangla, Sarbo Sikhsa Avijan, etc. | - Performance Fees: Performance-based fees @₹1000/- per head per day as and when engaged to perform their own genre mostly at any Government programme like fair/festival/Krishi Mela/Sabala Mela, etc.
Who can apply
Required Paperwork
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Income Certificate
- Residence Proof (Domicile)
Common Questions
What is the objective of the scheme?
The main objectives of the scheme are - (1) to bestow dignity on folk artists by issuing them identity cards, (2) to uphold the traditional folk forms of Bengal, (3) to revive nearly-extinct folk forms of art and culture and (4) to uplift the socio-economic conditions of artists associated with folk culture.
By which department was this scheme launched?
Information & Cultural Affairs Department, West Bengal
When was this scheme launched?
This scheme was launched in 2014.
Who is eligible under this scheme?
The applicant who has a lineage or belongs to a family practicing a given folk form or may belong to a tribal cultural/dance team or a folk-based instrumentalist as recognized by the Folk & Tribal Cultural Centre.
Is this scheme only for a resident of West Bengal?
Yes, the beneficiary must be a permanent resident of West Bengal and must possess identity and residential proof including Aadhaar Card.
Will an identity card be issued to each folk artiste?
Yes, an identity card will be issued to each folk artiste.
To whom will the pension be given under the scheme?
Under the scheme, the veteran and distressed folk-artistes who are above 60 years of age will get a monthly pension of [?]1000/-.
Who is eligible to get a retainer fee?
The enlisted folk artists under the age of 60 years, who are engaged in publicity campaigns in different departments, have been receiving [?]1000/- per month as a retainer fee.
How will the government arrange a source of income for the folk artists?
The state government will arrange the minimum income for folk artists by engaging them in the public campaign programme on development projects such as Kannyasree, Yubasree, Sikshasree, etc. and programmes like Nirmal Bangla, Sarbo Sikhsa Avijan, etc.
How much government will pay the folk artist for performing in the Government programme?
Performance fees @[?]1000/- per head per day as and when engaged to perform their own genre mostly at any Government programme like fair/festival/ Krishi Mela/Sabala Mela, etc.
How can I apply for the scheme?
The Department of Information & Cultural Affairs publishes notifications in various vernacular newspapers from time to time in order to impanel the Folk artists through auditions in different phases held at the district. Interested and eligible Folk artists may then apply in the prescribed format for the necessary selection procedure.