The Scheme of Extending Family Maintenance Grant to the Families of the Deceased Famous Artists is an initiative launched by the Art and Culture Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. This scheme is designed to support the families of renowned artists in various art disciplines, including music, drama, dance, film, and folk arts, by providing a one-time financial grant. It aims to honor the legacy of these artists and offer monetary relief to their legal heirs during a difficult period.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance: A one-time grant of ₹25,000 to help cover family maintenance expenses.
- Legacy Recognition: The scheme honors the artistic contributions of deceased cultural icons.
- Targeted Support: Ensures that the immediate family members receive necessary financial aid after the loss of the artist.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- The deceased must have been a famous artist in the disciplines of music, drama, dance, film, or folk arts.
- The grant is provided only upon the death of the famous artist.
- The applicant must be the legal heir of the deceased.
- Families of deceased artists from the aforementioned art disciplines are eligible to apply.
Application Process (Offline)
- Visit the Manram Office: During office hours, the interested applicant should visit the office of the Manram and request the hard copy of the prescribed application form from the designated staff.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in all mandatory fields and attach copies of all required documents (self-attested if necessary).
- Submit the Application: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to:
Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram,
Ponni, 31, P.S. Kumarasamy Raja Salai, Chennai – 600028. - Obtain a Receipt: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the authority to confirm submission. Ensure the receipt contains essential details such as the date, time of submission, and a unique identification number if applicable.
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photo of the Deceased Artist.
- Applicant’s Passport-size Photo.
- Original Death Certificate of the deceased artist.
- Legal Heir Certificate.
- Income Certificate (from Thasildar).
- Genuine Artist Certificate (attested by two senior artists or cultural organizations).
- Property Certificate (if the deceased owned a house or land).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who qualifies as a “famous artiste” under this scheme?
A1: A famous artiste is defined as an individual recognized for significant contributions in the fields of music, drama, dance, film, or folk arts.
Q2: What are the eligibility criteria for families to receive the maintenance grant?
A2: The applicant must be the legal heir of a deceased famous artist in the specified art disciplines, and the grant is provided only upon the artist’s death.
Q3: Can families of deceased artists from any art discipline apply for this grant?
A3: Only families of artists from the disciplines of music, drama, dance, film, and folk arts are eligible.
Q4: Is there a specific time frame within which families must apply after the artist’s death?
A4: While the guidelines do not specify a strict deadline in the provided details, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible following the artist’s death.
Q5: Can extended family members apply for the grant, or is it limited to spouses and unmarried children?
A5: The scheme is intended for the legal heirs of the deceased, as defined under applicable laws; this typically includes spouses, children, and other legally recognized heirs.
Q6: Are there any exceptions to the application deadline?
A6: The provided guidelines do not mention exceptions; applicants should adhere to any deadlines stipulated by the authority.
Q7: How is the authenticity of the deceased artist’s work verified?
A7: Verification is done through a Genuine Artist Certificate, which must be obtained from two senior artists or recognized cultural organizations.
Q8: Is the maintenance grant taxable?
A8: The taxation of the grant is subject to current government tax policies; beneficiaries should consult a tax advisor for detailed information.
Q9: Can the grant be used for any specific purposes, or is it unrestricted?
A9: The grant is intended to assist with family maintenance expenses and does not have any usage restrictions.
Q10: Are there any conditions attached to the property certificate if the deceased owned property?
A10: If provided, the property certificate is used to verify the financial status of the deceased’s family; additional conditions may be applied as per the guidelines.
Q11: What happens if the deceased artist received financial assistance for indigent artists?
A11: The scheme is separate from any assistance provided for indigent artists; eligibility for this grant is based solely on the status of being a famous artist.
Q12: Are stepchildren eligible to apply for the grant?
A12: Eligibility typically extends to legally recognized heirs; stepchildren may be considered if legally recognized as heirs.
Q13: Is there an appeals process if the grant application is rejected?
A13: Details regarding the appeals process are not specified in the guidelines; applicants should consult the relevant department for further information.
Q14: Can families of deceased artists residing outside Tamil Nadu apply for this grant?
A14: The scheme is administered by the Government of Tamil Nadu, so eligibility is generally limited to families residing within the state.
Q15: How long does it typically take for the application to be processed and the grant to be disbursed?
A15: Processing times vary; applicants should contact the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram for specific timelines.