The “Pension Scheme” for Folk Artists was launched by the Art and Culture Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. This scheme is designed to provide financial support to aged and disabled folk artists who have devoted a significant part of their lives to promoting and preserving folk arts. The objective is to ensure that these artists receive a steady pension for their contributions to the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. Applications are accepted offline using the prescribed application forms (Forms VIII & VIIIA) available at the Regional Office.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension:
Eligible folk artists receive a pension of ₹300 per month.
Eligibility
- Registration:
The applicant must be a registered folk artist. - Age Criteria:
The applicant should be 60 years or older. - Experience:
The artist must have worked continuously in their profession for at least five years. - Special Provision for Disabled Artists:
Disabled folk artists (those who are sick or unable to work) who are under 60 years of age but have been registered with the board for at least five continuous years are also eligible.
Application Process
Offline
- Obtain Application Form:
- Visit the regional office during office hours and request a hard copy of the prescribed application forms (VIII & VIIIA) from the designated staff.
- Fill the Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields in the application form.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
- Submit the Form:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Assistant Director/Deputy Director at the regional office.
- Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the Assistant Director/Deputy Director. Ensure that it contains the date, time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Selection Procedure
- The Board will examine every pension application and may either accept or reject the claim.
- The decision of the Board is final.
- Before rejecting a claim, the Board will provide the applicant with a reasonable opportunity to make a representation.
Documents Required
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Original Registration Card of the Folk Artist.
- Original Receipt for Registration and Last Renewal.
- Disability Certificate (if applicable), issued by a Medical Officer (with the name and seal of a Civil Surgeon).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible for the pension under this scheme?
Registered folk artists who are 60 years or older are eligible. Additionally, disabled folk artists under 60, who have been registered for at least five continuous years, can also apply. - What is the amount of the pension provided?
The scheme provides a pension of ₹300 per month. - What documents are needed to apply for the pension?
Applicants need to submit two passport-sized photographs, the original registration card, the registration renewal receipt, and a disability certificate (if applicable). - How does the Board decide on pension applications?
The Board reviews all submitted applications and may accept or reject claims after giving a reasonable opportunity for representation if a claim is at risk of being rejected. - Can an artiste below sixty years of age apply for the pension?
Only disabled folk artists below 60 who have been registered for at least five continuous years are eligible. - Where should the application be sent?
Applications must be submitted to the Assistant Director/Deputy Director at the regional office. - What if an application is rejected?
The decision of the Board is final. However, before rejection, applicants are given a chance to represent their case. - Who is the appellate authority for this scheme?
Specific details regarding the appellate authority are provided in the official guidelines. - Can an applicant apply online?
No, applications for this scheme are accepted offline.
Sources and References