By TCN News,
New Delhi: The Central Government runs a scheme to provide monthly monetary support to elderly artists whose financial condition is poor. Under the scheme called “Financial Assistance to Persons Distinguished in Letters, Arts and Such Other Walks of Life Who May be in Indigent Circumstances and Their Dependents”, a financial assistance of Rs. 4000/- per month is given to the eligible old artistes.
To be eligible for assistance under the scheme, a person’s contribution to art, letters, etc. should be of significance. Traditional scholars who have made significant contribution in their fields are also eligible notwithstanding the absence of any published works. Further, applicant’s personal income (including income of the spouse) should not exceed Rs.4000/- per month and he/she should not be less than 58 years of age.
The scheme has two components:
(1) Central Quota – an assistance of Rs. 4000/- per month is given in full by the Central Government.
(2) Centre-State-Quota – an assistance of Rs. 3500/- per month is given by the Central Government, while an assistance of Rs. 500/- per month is given by the concerned State Government, directly to the beneficiary.
Assistance is sanctioned on the recommendation of an Expert Committee constituted for the purpose.