Artistes Pension Scheme and Welfare Fund

India is blessed with a vibrant art culture and a plethora of artists who so profoundly decorate the nation through their endeavors. The Government of India, to aid these valued citizens, have come up with an initiative known as Artistes Pension Scheme and Welfare Fund. The measure, as stated in the Press Information Bureau (PIB), seeks to provide pension to Persons Distinguished in Letters, Arts and such other walks of Life who may be in indigent circumstances, along with their dependents. This article covers the initiative in detail.

Eligibility

The scheme is meant for the benefit of people whose contributions to art are of great significance. Traditional scholars who have substantially contributed to their fields may also avail its benefits. Regulations state that the personal income of the artists applying for the scheme should not be more than Rs. 4,000 in a month. Moreover, these applicants should not be aged less than 58 years of age (age limit isn’t applicable for dependents). Artists below the age of forty are advised to pursue their registrations on an immediate basis as the scheme would restrict the entry of applications after a certain period of time. People of middle age may opt for the scheme if they are State or National Awardees, provided they can substantially prove their source of earning from the particular art activity. These applicants should be recommended by the State Government and must undergo physical inspection performed by any of the organizations of the Ministry of Culture.

Application and Required Documents

Artists who wish to avail the benefits of the scheme may file an application in the prescribed manner and address the same to the Director, South Central Zonal Cultural Centre, 56/1, Civil Lines, opposite MLS’s Hostel, Nagpur-440001, Maharashtra. The applications must be processed through the respective State Government/UT Administrations with their recommendations. It must be supported by the following documents:

• Life certificate (Age 60 years and above)
• Income Certificate (Rs. 4,000 or less in a month)
• Awards, recognition or distinction received for an artistic endeavor from the Government or any prominent literary or arts society
• Bank authorization proforma

Selection Process

The beneficiaries of the scheme will be shortlisted by the Central Government, on the recommendation of the Expert Committee constituted by the Ministry of Culture on the basis of the conditions prescribed above. The candidates who are recommended for the benefit will be placed before the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Culture for approval. The quantum of assistance will be based on the availability of funds and the financial position of the candidate.

Nature of Assistance

The Government would financially cater to these citizens by according them with an allowance on a month-on-month basis. The sum of such allowance would be Rs. 4,000. Artists recommended under the Centre-State Quota will be provided with allowances from both these governments. The state governments are required to contribute a monthly allowance of at least Rs. 500 per month for each beneficiary, whereas the Central Government's contribution would not exceed a sum of Rs. 3,500 per month per beneficiary. Artists listed under Central Quota will be assisted with not more than Rs. 4,000 in a month. The financial assistance provided to these artists will pass-on to the dependents upon his/her demise after examining their financial conditions. While spouses will be granted life-long assistance, the children of the dependent will be assisted until the time of marriage or up to the age of 21 (whichever is earlier).

Discontinuance of Allowance

If the income of a beneficiary scales above Rs.4000 per month after being enrolled into the scheme, the Central Government would terminate the allowance by giving a notice of three months to the recipient.

National Artistes Welfare Fund

The National Artistes Welfare Fund aims to grant special financial assistance to the Artists and their dependents who are a part of the Pension Scheme. This assistance is extended in the event of hospitalization and other urgent requirements like medical treatment or sudden physical disability.

Quantum of Assistance

Financial assistance granted under these funds is non-recurring. The quantum of the aid would be rendered up to the following limits:

• Death of the Artist – up to Rs 2 lakhs
• Medical Treatment – up to Rs 1 lakh
• Sudden physical disability – up to Rs 50,000