The “Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana” is a welfare initiative launched by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, Government of Odisha. It provides financial assistance to elderly and indigent artists who have devoted their lives to promoting and preserving the rich arts and culture of Odisha. This scheme is specifically designed to support artists in financial distress, recognizing their lifelong dedication and significant contributions to Odisha’s heritage.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance: ₹1200/- per month.
- The first payment will be made in cash after proper identification by authorities, and subsequent payments will be credited to the beneficiary’s Savings Bank Account in a Nationalized Bank.
Eligibility
- Age Criteria:
- Male artists: Minimum of 50 years.
- Female artists: Minimum of 40 years.
- Income Criteria:
- For rural artists, the annual income must not exceed ₹50,000.
- For urban artists, the annual income must not exceed ₹60,000.
- Exclusive Benefit:
- Artists receiving benefits under this scheme cannot avail of similar benefits under any other government scheme.
- Life Certificate:
- Beneficiaries must submit a Life Certificate every April, signed by a recognized authority (MP, MLA, Gazetted Officer, etc.).
Cancellation of Pension
The pension may be canceled under the following conditions:
- Upon the death of the beneficiary.
- If information furnished to the Selection Committee is found to be false or misleading.
- If the beneficiary engages in activities against public interest or order.
- If the beneficiary no longer meets eligibility criteria.
- Failure to submit the Life Certificate within the stipulated timeframe.
Application Process Online
- Visit the official website: MKSY Portal.
- Register:
- If not registered, click “Apply for Registration” and fill in all mandatory details, including personal information, address, family and income details, artist skills, and bank details.
- Login:
- After successful registration, log in using your username and password.
- Fill Application:
- Complete the application form and upload the required documents.
- Submit Application:
- Verify all details before submission.
Note: The Department will advertise in print, electronic media, and the official website, inviting applications within two months from the publication date.
Selection Procedure
- District-Level Committee:
- Each district will have a Selection Committee chaired by the Collector & District Magistrate.
- Application Review:
- The committee will scrutinize applications for genuineness and eligibility.
- Approval:
- The Collector will finalize and approve the selected artists, forwarding the list to the Director, Odia Bhasa, Sahitya & Sanskruti Department.
- Communication:
- Approved beneficiaries will be notified by the District Level Selection Committee.
Note: If the target number of beneficiaries is unmet in a year, fresh advertisements will be issued the following year.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card or Voter ID
- Birth Certificate: Proof of age
- Address Proof
- Passport-Size Photograph
- Income Certificate: Issued by a competent authority
- Artist Skill/Achievement Certificate
- Bank Account Details
- Mobile Number
- Other documents, as required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana (MKSY)?
A scheme providing financial assistance to indigent artists in Odisha who have contributed significantly to arts and culture. - Who is eligible to apply under the scheme?
Artists aged 50+ (males) or 40+ (females) with an annual income below the specified threshold. - What is the financial assistance provided?
₹1200 per month. - Can artists receive benefits under other schemes simultaneously?
No, artists covered under this scheme are not eligible for similar benefits under other government schemes. - What are the conditions for cancellation of pension?
Death, false information, activities against public interest, loss of eligibility, or non-submission of the Life Certificate. - How can artists apply under the scheme?
Applications can be submitted online through the official MKSY portal.
Sources and References
- Guidelines/Notification
- Official Application Portal (MKSY Portal)