The Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) – Scheme for Award to Distinguished Artistes is an initiative by the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, designed to recognize and honor artistes who have made significant contributions to the state’s cultural heritage. The scheme provides financial awards to both individual and group awardees across various categories, including national award winners such as Padma Awardees, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi Awardees, as well as winners of National Film Awards and other national-level competitions. Award distribution is executed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Benefits
- Individual Young Awardees/Competition Winners: Award of ₹50,000/- per recipient.
- Individual Senior Awardees: Award of ₹1,00,000/- per recipient.
- Group Young Awardees: Award of ₹1,00,000/- per group.
- Group Senior Awardees: Award of ₹1,50,000/- per group.
Eligibility
- Residency: The applicant must be a domicile of Manipur.
- Awards & Recognition: The applicant should be a national award winner (e.g., Padma Awardee, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi Awardee, Zonal Cultural Centre’s Award, National Film Award, etc.) or have won national level competitions.
- Age Categories:
- Young/Junior Category: Awardees below 40 years of age.
- Senior Category: Awardees above 40 years of age.
- Scope: The scheme is applicable to both individual artistes and groups.
- Note: The scheme covers awards announced or received during the current financial and calendar year.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Download the Application Form:
- Obtain a printed copy of the application form from the scheme guidelines.
- Fill Out the Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields and attach the required self-attested documents.
- Submission:
- Submit the filled form along with a cover letter addressed to the Director (Art & Culture) at the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, Palace Compound, Imphal. The application must reach the office at least one month before the travel schedule.
Note: The Department of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur reserves the right to reject or cancel any application without providing a reason.
Documents Required
- Passport-Sized Photograph
- Residential/Domicile Certificate of Manipur.
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Account Details
- Bio Data with Supporting Documents/Certificates
- Proof of Age/Date of Birth
- Proof of Winning a National Award: Certificates for Padma Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, Zonal Cultural Centre’s Award, National Level Competition, National Film Awards, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the objectives of this scheme?
A1: The scheme is designed to encourage and felicitate distinguished artistes for their contributions to Manipur’s cultural heritage by providing them with financial awards.
Q2: How many beneficiaries are supported under this scheme?
A2: Up to 15 individual young awardees and 15 individual senior awardees, along with 5 groups each for young and senior categories, are supported each year.
Q3: Which department manages this scheme?
A3: The scheme is managed by the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur.
Q4: What is the maximum amount of financial assistance for an individual beneficiary?
A4: Individual senior awardees receive up to ₹1,00,000/- per year, while young awardees receive ₹50,000/-.
Q5: Can Sahitya Akademi Awardees apply?
A5: Yes, all national award winners including Sahitya Akademi Awardees are eligible.
Q6: Does the scheme accept online applications?
A6: No, the application process is conducted offline only.
Q7: Are there age-related eligibility criteria?
A7: Yes, awardees below 40 fall under the Young/Junior category and those above 40 fall under the Senior category.
Q8: Are there any income-related eligibility criteria?
A8: No, the scheme is based on award recognition and domicile, not on income.
Q9: To whom should the application be addressed?
A9: The application should be addressed to the Director (Art & Culture) at the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur.
Q10: What is the address of the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur?
A10: It is located at the Palace Compound, Imphal, Manipur.
Q11: By when should the application reach the Directorate?
A11: Applications must reach at least one month before the travel schedule.
Q12: Is it mandatory to self-attest all the required documents?
A12: Yes, all required documents must be self-attested before submission.
Q13: Can I apply if I am above 18 years of age?
A13: Yes, the scheme is applicable to adult artistes, with the age criteria determining the category (young or senior).
Q14: Is this a “one family, one benefit” scheme?
A14: No, the scheme is designed to recognize individual or group achievements, not family benefits.
Q15: Can a domicile of Telangana apply?
A15: No, only domiciles of Manipur are eligible.
Q16: Is this scheme state-sponsored or centrally sponsored?
A16: This is a state-sponsored scheme implemented by the Government of Manipur.
Q17: Where can I find the link to the scheme guidelines?
A17: The scheme guidelines can be found in the official guidelines provided by the Department of Art & Culture.
Q18: Are there reserved slots for female applicants?
A18: Specific slot reservations are subject to the guidelines; please refer to the detailed guidelines for any such provisions.
Q19: Can applicants from Scheduled Castes also apply?
A19: Yes, the scheme is open to all eligible artistes based on their award achievements, regardless of caste.