The “Scheme to Provide Financial Assistance in the Form of Grant-In-Aid to Bhajani/ Choir/ Cultural Group/ Institutions for the Purchase of Musical Instruments” is a scheme of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa. Bhajani Mandals, Choir Groups, and Cultural Troups have been supported to increase and enhance the musical presentation by them for the propagation and promotion of this rich cultural heritage of the state.
Objectives
- To encourage and sustain Bhajani Mandals, Choir Groups, and Cultural Troupes contributing to the preservation of Goa’s cultural heritage.
- To provide financial support to organizations and institutions for the promotion and preservation of traditional culture.
- To promote local talent and encourage participation by cultural troupes in performances and festivals.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- A lump sum grant of up to ₹15,000/- per group/institution exclusively for the purchase of musical instruments.
- Note: The number of beneficiaries under the scheme may be restricted depending on the availability of funds.
Eligibility
- The Mandal/Group/Institution/Troupe must consist of at least 10 members.
- The group must conduct regular musical performances such as bhajans, choir singing, or folk performances.
- The group must not have availed the scheme’s benefits previously.
Application Process
Offline Submission
- Visit the Directorate of Art & Culture:
- Address: 5th Floor, Shram Shakti Bhavan, Panaji, Patto, Goa – 403001
- Contact: Phone: 0832-2404623, Email: [email protected]
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Request a hard copy of the prescribed format from the concerned authority or take a printout of the proforma.
- Complete the Application Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across), and attach self-attested copies of the required documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled form along with all documents to the Assistant Cultural Officer (ACO-II) at the Directorate of Art & Culture.
Documents Required
- Copy of the Registration Certificate.
- Report of Activities: Participation in various competitions/festivals and other cultural events (with participation certificates).
- Certificate of existence and functioning of the group issued by MLA/Mamlatdar/BDO/Sarpanch/Gazetted Officer, etc.
- List of Artists/Group Members: At least 10 members with their names and addresses.
- Copy of the ID Proof of the contact person (e.g., PAN Card, EPIC Card, Aadhaar Card, etc.).
- Bank Details of the group in the prescribed format or a photocopy of the cheque.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a specific office to contact for inquiries or applications?
Yes, the Directorate of Art & Culture, Goa.
2. Can a Mandal/Group/Institution/Troupe apply for this scheme more than once?
No, groups that have already availed of the scheme benefits are not eligible to apply again.
3. Are there restrictions on the size of the group?
Yes, the group must consist of a minimum of 10 members.
4. How does the government ensure fair distribution of grants?
The government evaluates applications based on eligibility criteria and allocates grants accordingly, prioritizing groups that meet all requirements.
5. Are there performance-related criteria to receive the grant?
Yes, groups must conduct regular musical performances such as bhajans, choir singing, or folk music.
6. Can the grant be used for purposes other than purchasing musical instruments?
No, the grant is exclusively for the purchase of musical instruments.
7. How does this scheme contribute to preserving Goa’s cultural heritage?
By supporting cultural groups financially, the scheme encourages performances and preservation of traditional art forms, ensuring their continuity.
8. What is the role of local authorities in the application process?
Authorities such as MLAs, Mamlatdars, BDOs, and Sarpanchs certify the existence and functioning of the groups.
9. What types of musical instruments can be purchased with the grant?
The scheme does not specify particular instruments, allowing groups to choose instruments relevant to their performances.
10. How much financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
A maximum of ₹15,000/- per group/institution.