The Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) – Artiste’s Pension is an initiative developed by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, to provide financial assistance to aged and reputed artists. It acknowledges their immense contribution to the continued maintenance and promotion of Manipur’s vibrant tradition, culture, and art forms. The scheme benefits artists in various fields including Theatre (traditional and modern), Shumang Leela, Nupi Leela, Mime, Classical Dance, Traditional Dance, Folk Dance, Tribal Dance, and more.
Benefits
Category A:
- Awardees & Gurus:
- Number of Beneficiaries: 150
- Pension Amount: ₹4,000/- per month
Category B:
- Non-Awardees:
- Number of Beneficiaries: 850
- Pension Amount: ₹2,500/- per month
Eligibility
- Domicile: The applicant must be a resident of Manipur.
- Artist Requirement: The applicant must be an artist who has significantly contributed to art and culture.
- Age Criteria: The applicant should be 60 years or above as of 1st April of the current financial year.
- Employment: The applicant shall not be employed in any public or private undertakings.
- Income Criteria: Total income (including spouse’s income) must not exceed ₹1,50,000/- per annum.
Category A Eligibility
- Applicants must be National or State Awardees.
Examples:- Padma Awardees
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardees
- Sahitya Akademi Awardees
- Lalit Kala Akademi Awardees
- Manipur State Kala Akademi Awardees
- National Award Winners in Film
Category B Eligibility
- The applicant must have done substantial work in the promotion of arts during their youth.
- Sanctioned by competent authorities like:
- Shree Shree Govindaji Temple Board
- Sanamahi Temple Board for Sankirtana and Lai Haraoba
- Reputed organizations sanctioned by the Government
Eligibility for Dependent Spouse
- Spouses of deceased artists who are beneficiaries of the CMAT scheme can also apply for financial and medical assistance.
Reservation/Preference
- Preference is given to artists in indigent circumstances.
Exclusions
- Artists already receiving pensions or benefits from other State or Central Government schemes are not covered under CMAT.
Application Procedure
Medium: Offline
Steps to Apply
- Print Application Form:
- Download the form from the scheme guidelines.
- Fill the Form:
- Complete the application form with all necessary details and attach self-attested documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled form to the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, at Palace Compound, Imphal.
- Attach a cover letter addressed to the Director (Art & Culture).
Documents Required
- Passport-sized photograph
- Residential/Domicile certificate of Manipur
- Aadhaar Card or EPIC
- Life Certificate issued by Gazetted Officer, SDC, SDO, MLA, or Elected Councillor
- Income Certificate issued by Gazetted Officer, SDC, SDO, MLA, or Elected Councillor
- Bank account details
- Bio-data with relevant supporting documents and certificates
- Proof of age (Date of Birth Certificate)
Note: After selection, Life Certificates must be submitted every six months to the Directorate of Art & Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the mode of release of pension?
The pension amount will be credited directly to the bank account of the beneficiary. - What documents are required after selection?
Selected beneficiaries need to submit a Life Certificate every six months to ensure continued pension payments. - What is the full form of EPIC?
EPIC stands for Electors Photo Identity Card. - What relief is provided to the dependent spouse of an artist under CMAT?
The scheme provides financial and medical support to the dependent spouse. - Is there an online facility?
No, the application process is offline. Application forms must be submitted physically to the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur. - Are employed people eligible?
No, applicants working in public or private undertakings are not eligible. - Are there income criteria?
Yes, the total annual income of the applicant and their spouse should not exceed ₹1,50,000. - Are there age criteria for eligibility?
Yes, the applicant must be at least 60 years old as of 1st April of the financial year. - Can a domicile of Telangana apply?
No, the scheme is only for residents of Manipur. - Is the scheme state-sponsored or centrally sponsored?
The scheme is state-sponsored by the Government of Manipur. - How do I obtain the application form?
The application form is available in the scheme guidelines issued by the Directorate of Art & Culture. - Is there an application fee?
No, there is no application fee for this scheme. - Is it open to applicants from Scheduled Castes?
Yes, applicants from every community, including Scheduled Castes, can apply, provided they fulfill all eligibility criteria.