Get Updates
Get notified of breaking news, exclusive insights, and must-see stories!

Swasraya Scheme For Parents/Mothers Of Physically Handicapped/Mentally Retarded Persons 2026

This scheme by the Goa Directorate of Art and Culture aims to boost Goa's traditional festival theatre, Read More... known as 'Gomantakiya Utsavi Rangabhumi', which has a rich history of village performances. Read less

Details

Goa's vibrant cultural landscape is home to a unique form of theatre known as 'Utsavi Rangabhumi', or festival theatre. This tradition, deeply embedded in village festivals, has seen thousands of plays staged over the years. The 'Scheme for Upliftment of Utsavi Rangabhumi of Goa' has been launched to ensure this cherished art form not only survives but thrives.

What Is This Scheme?

The 'Scheme for Upliftment of Utsavi Rangabhumi of Goa' is an initiative by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa. Its main goal is to support and revive the traditional festival theatre of Goan villages. This theatre has a long and proud history, often serving as the stage for a budding artist's first performance and playing a key role in village celebrations.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is designed for traditional village theatre groups and amateur theatre enthusiasts. It specifically encourages local village troupes that have a long-standing tradition of performing plays during village deity festivals. The aim is to bring back the glory of this art form by providing much-needed financial and motivational support.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme plays a crucial role in preserving Goa's cultural heritage. It aims to revive classic musical plays ('sangeet natak') and prose plays, encouraging more local participation, especially from women and children. By fostering new talent in writing, directing, and stagecraft, it seeks to unite villages through the powerful medium of theatre and bring back the festive spirit to traditional performances.

Objective

This scheme by the Goa Directorate of Art and Culture aims to boost Goa's traditional festival theatre, known as 'Gomantakiya Utsavi Rangabhumi', which has a rich history of village performances.

Benefits

  1. Under the scheme, a one-time financial assistance of ₹35,000/- will be provided to women of BPL families to find self-employment, whose husbands have died/abandoned, and who have to take care of their sons/children with severe physical and mental challenges.

Sources and references

Eligibility Criteria

  • You must be a traditional village festival theatre group or an amateur theatre group.
  • Your group should have a history of performing plays during village deity festivals, often associated with Devasthans or village institutions.
  • The tradition of performing plays must be at least 25 years old.
  • All roles, including female characters, must be played by artists from within the same village. Professional artists are not permitted.
  • The theatre group must perform the play according to established traditions, and this needs to be certified by the Devasthan or village committee.
  • The group must have a bank account in a nationalized or scheduled bank for receiving payments.

How To Apply

  1. Prepare your application with all the required documents.
  2. Submit the application and supporting documents as per the guidelines.
  3. For queries and further information, you can contact: ACO I, Directorate of Art & Culture, Panaji, Goa. Phone: 0832-2404640. Email: [email protected].

Documents Required

  • A copy of your registration certificate, if the group is registered.
  • A detailed estimate of the play production expenses.
  • An affidavit.
  • Details of the play, including information about the playwright and artists.
  • If you received a grant in previous years, please submit an original or copy of the Utilization Certificate.
  • Bank details (only for nationalized or scheduled banks).
  • The name of the play (Drama) and a copy of the script.
  • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Devasthan.

FAQ’s

Can professional actors be part of the plays under this scheme?

No, professional artists are strictly not allowed. All roles, including those of female characters, must be performed by members from the same village.

How long does it usually take to get updates on an application and receive payment?

You should receive information about your application's approval within 45 days of submission. Reimbursement is typically processed within 95 days from the date the application is received.

What is the maximum financial help available for staging musical plays?

For musical plays, the maximum financial aid you can receive is ₹ 30,000, or 75% of the actual production cost, whichever amount is smaller. The selection committee has the final say on the exact amount.

Is there a limit on how many plays a group can get funding for each year?

Yes, each theatre group is eligible to receive financial assistance for only one play per year.

What role does the village committee or Devasthan play in this scheme?

The Devasthan or village committee plays a crucial role by certifying that the traditional theatre group performs the play following all local customs and traditions, ensuring authenticity.

Does the scheme encourage new writers and technicians?

Absolutely! The scheme aims to encourage new playwrights, directors, set designers, and other stage technicians. For instance, scriptwriters may receive an additional ₹ 3,000 for a high-quality new script.

Are female and child artists encouraged to participate?

Yes, the scheme actively encourages local female artists and child artists to take part in these traditional plays.

What kind of plays does this scheme aim to support?

The scheme supports both traditional prose plays and 'sangeet natak' (musical plays) that are part of Goa's vibrant festival theatre tradition.

How often can theatre groups apply for this financial assistance?

Theatre groups can apply each year. However, securing the assistance depends on the recommendation of the selection committee and the availability of funds.

Who should I contact if I need more details about the scheme?

For more information, you can reach out to ACO I at the Directorate of Art & Culture in Panaji, Goa. Their phone number is 0832-2404640 and their email address is [email protected].

What measures are in place to ensure the plays remain authentic to village traditions?

To maintain authenticity, the scheme requires traditional theatre groups to perform plays as per local customs. The certification from the Devasthan or village committee is a key part of this process.

Notifications
Settings
Clear Notifications
Notifications
Use the toggle to switch on notifications
  • Block for 8 hours
  • Block for 12 hours
  • Block for 24 hours
  • Don't block
Gender
Select your Gender
  • Male
  • Female
  • Others
Age
Select your Age Range
  • Under 18
  • 18 to 25
  • 26 to 35
  • 36 to 45
  • 45 to 55
  • 55+