The “Concession in Railway Travel” scheme by the Department of Art and Culture, Tamil Nadu, provides subsidized railway fares for individual artists and troupes traveling for cultural performances. This initiative supports artists in promoting culture and heritage across distant locations by reducing travel costs.
Benefits
- Second Class Fare: 75% concession.
- First Class Fare: 50% concession.
Eligibility Criteria
- Artists or Cultural Troupes: The applicant must be an individual artist or part of a troupe with more than three artists.
- Travel Mode: The journey must be undertaken by train.
- Purpose: The journey must be for delivering a cultural performance (public programme) at an outstation location.
- Distance Requirement: The distance between the departure point and the performance venue must exceed 300 km, as per Indian Railways guidelines.
Application Process
The application process is conducted offline. Below are the steps:
- Advertisement Notice:
- Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram publishes an advertisement in newspapers calling for applications.
- Collect Application Form:
- Visit the Mandram office during working hours and request a hard copy of the application form.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all the required fields in the application form.
- Attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across if needed).
- Attach mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
- Submit the Form:
- Submit the completed application form along with supporting documents to the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram office.
- Receipt/Acknowledgment:
- Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority upon submission. The receipt should include details such as the submission date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Artist’s Bio-Data: Detailed profile of the artist or troupe members.
- Proof of Identity: Government-issued ID card (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.).
- Train Ticket: Copy of the train ticket(s).
- Confirmation Letter: Proof from the program organizer or advertisement details confirming the performance.
- Additional Documents: Any other document as specified by the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can the concession be availed for any type of cultural performance?
The concession applies only to public cultural performances. - How is the concession certificate obtained?
The Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram issues the concession certificate after verifying the application and supporting documents. - Is there a limit on the number of artists in a troupe?
No specific limit is mentioned, but the troupe must consist of at least three artists. - What is the extent of concession provided in railway fares?
- Second Class: 75% concession.
- First Class: 50% concession.
- Is there a specific timeframe for applications?
Applications must be submitted within the timeframe specified in the advertisement. - Where should the completed application form and documents be submitted?
Forms must be submitted to the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram office. - What type of journey is eligible for the concession?
Only train journeys exceeding 300 km for public cultural performances are eligible. - What is the distance criterion for the concession?
The travel distance must exceed 300 km.
Contact Information
- Office: Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram
- Address: Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Contact: Visit the office during working hours for assistance.
Sources and References
- Guidelines: Obtain from the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram office.
- Advertisement Notices: Published in newspapers calling for applications.