Chief Minister's COVID-19 Affected Livelihood Support Scheme 2026
Launched in 2014 by West Bengal's Information & Cultural Affairs Department, this scheme aims to revive and Read More... support folk and tribal art forms across the state, especially for artists facing financial hardship. Read less
Details
The Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme is a special initiative by the West Bengal government to keep the vibrant folk and tribal culture of the state alive. Launched in 2014, it's designed to help artists who practice traditional art forms but are struggling financially.
What Is This Scheme?
This scheme is all about celebrating and preserving West Bengal's rich folk and tribal heritage. It focuses on identifying and supporting artists involved in traditional music, dance, and other art forms. The goal is to ensure these art forms don't disappear and that the artists behind them can continue their work with dignity and economic stability.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
The scheme is primarily for folk artists residing in West Bengal who are financially distressed. This includes individuals or groups who practice recognized folk or tribal art forms, whether it's a family tradition, a dance troupe, or an instrumentalist.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme plays a crucial role in maintaining West Bengal's cultural identity. By supporting artists, it helps to revive fading art forms, ensures traditional knowledge is passed down, and importantly, provides a much-needed economic safety net for artists. This boosts their morale and allows them to continue contributing to the state's cultural landscape.
Objective
Benefits
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants should either come from a family that practices a specific folk art form or be part of a recognized tribal cultural/dance team or be a recognized folk instrumentalist.
- The age of the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years.
- Individuals aged 60 years and above are eligible for the pension component of the scheme.
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
How To Apply
- The Department of Information & Cultural Affairs periodically releases notifications in local newspapers.
- These notifications announce auditions for folk artists held at district levels.
- Interested and eligible folk artists can then apply using the prescribed format to be considered for selection.
Documents Required
- Identity proof (like Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card).
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Bank account details (front page of the passbook).
- Proof of address.
- Certificates showcasing achievements or honours received.
- Any other documents requested by the concerned Department.
FAQ’s
What is the main goal of the Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme?
The scheme aims to achieve four key objectives: 1. Granting dignity to folk artists by issuing them identity cards. 2. Preserving and promoting the traditional folk art forms of Bengal. 3. Reviving folk art and culture forms that are close to extinction. 4. Improving the social and economic status of artists involved in folk culture.
When was this scheme introduced?
The Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme was launched in the year 2014.
Who is responsible for launching this scheme?
This scheme was launched by the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs in the Government of West Bengal.
Can I get a pension if I'm over 60 years old?
Yes, veteran and distressed folk artists who are above 60 years of age are eligible to receive a monthly pension of ₹1000 under the scheme.
How will folk artists earn income through this scheme?
The West Bengal government will help ensure artists have a minimum income by involving them in public awareness campaigns for projects like Kannyasree, Yubasree, Sikshasree, Nirmal Bangla, and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
What payment can artists expect for performing at government events?
When engaged for performances at government programs such as fairs, festivals, Krishi Melas, or Sabala Melas, artists will receive a performance fee of ₹1000 per head per day for performing their own art form.
Am I eligible if I'm not originally from West Bengal?
No, to be eligible for this scheme, you must be a permanent resident of West Bengal and be able to provide proof of identity and residence.
How do I find out about applying for the scheme?
The Department of Information & Cultural Affairs will announce details about the application process, including auditions, through notifications published in various vernacular newspapers. Keep an eye out for these announcements.
What kind of artists is the scheme looking for?
The scheme is for artists who have a background in practicing a specific folk art form, whether it's a family tradition, or if they belong to a recognized tribal cultural/dance team or are a folk-based instrumentalist.
Will artists get an ID card?
Yes, a key benefit of the scheme is the issuance of an identity card to every registered folk artist.
Who receives the retainer fee?
Enlisted folk artists who are under 60 years of age and are actively involved in publicity campaigns for different government departments are eligible to receive a monthly retainer fee of ₹1000.
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