The “Assistance for Purchase of Spectacles” scheme was initiated by the Art and Culture Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. This scheme, managed by the Tamil Nadu Folk Artiste’s Welfare Board, offers financial assistance to registered folk artists for the purchase of spectacles. The assistance is limited to ₹500/- per artist and is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis for up to 2,000 registered folk artists annually.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance: Up to ₹500/-
- One-time benefit: This assistance can be availed only once by the applicant.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a registered folk artist.
- The applicant must have no outstanding dues payable to the Welfare Board.
- The applicant must not have availed of similar benefits from any other government scheme.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps:
- Visit the Regional Office:
The applicant must visit the regional office during working hours to request a hard copy of Application Form XV. - Fill Out the Form:
Complete the application form, ensuring that all mandatory fields are filled. Attach copies of all the necessary documents. - Submit the Application:
Submit the duly filled form along with supporting documents to the Assistant Director/Deputy Director at the regional office. - Request Acknowledgment:
Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment from the Assistant Director/Deputy Director containing the submission date, time, and unique application number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Registration Card of the Folk Artist.
- Medical Prescription from a registered eye specialist.
- Purchase Bill for the spectacles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for assistance?
Only registered folk artists without dues to the Welfare Board and who have not availed similar benefits from other schemes are eligible.
2. What is the maximum assistance amount?
The maximum financial assistance provided is ₹500/-.
3. How many folk artists can receive assistance per year?
The scheme is limited to 2,000 registered folk artists annually on a first-come, first-serve basis.
4. How many times can a folk artist avail this assistance?
This assistance can only be availed once by each artist.
5. What are the conditions for eligibility?
The applicant must be a registered folk artist with no dues to the board and must not have availed similar benefits elsewhere.
6. What form should be used for the application?
Applicants should use Form XV for this scheme.
7. Where should the application be submitted?
Applications must be submitted to the Assistant Director/Deputy Director at the respective regional office.
8. Who is the sanctioning authority?
The Assistant Director/Deputy Director in the regional offices are the sanctioning authorities for this scheme.
9. Who is the appellate authority?
The Regional Head of the Art and Culture Department serves as the appellate authority.
10. Can a folk artist with dues to the board apply?
No, artists with dues are not eligible for this scheme.
11. Can a folk artist who has availed similar benefits from another scheme apply?
No, artists who have received similar benefits under other government schemes are ineligible.
12. What evidences need to be produced?
The applicant must provide a medical prescription and a purchase bill for the spectacles, along with their registration card.
13. Is there any region-specific contact information for application submission?
Yes, the applicant must visit the respective regional office for submission and inquiries.
14. Is there a specific brand or type of spectacles covered?
No specific brand or type is mandated, but the spectacles must be prescribed by a registered eye specialist.
15. Is there an age limit for availing this assistance?
No age limit has been specified under the scheme guidelines.