Silpi Pension Scheme

Silpi Pension Scheme is a welfare scheme of the Assam government that gives monthly pensions and cash grants to artists and their families in return for their contribution to the art and culture of the state. Online applications for Artist Pension, Family Pension and One-time Special Financial Assistance to Families of Deceased Artists for the session 2025-26 are now open on the official portal silpisanmanassam.com.

The scheme works under the Assam Award of Pension to Artists and Special Pension to their Families Rules. It is run by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Assam and covers four categories: Artist Pension, Family Pension, Barxik Silpi Sanman (Ex-Gratia Grant) and One-time Special Financial Assistance to Families of Deceased Artists.

Silpi Pension Scheme - Introduction

The scheme acts as a support system for the creative community of Assam. Artists and their families who have spent years enriching the art and culture of the state get a regular pension and one-time grants under this scheme. It also helps ease the money problems of artists who are old, sick or living in poor conditions.

Applications are accepted only through the online portal. The government has kept special help ready for Divyang or bed-ridden artists. Cultural Development Officers or Junior Assistants from the Directorate of Cultural Affairs visit such artists at home and help them complete the online form. Contact details of these officials are available on the official website.

Benefits

The scheme offers fixed monthly pension and one-time grants according to the category of the applicant:

Eligibility

Applicants need to meet the following conditions to get the benefit:

• Applicant should be a permanent resident of Assam.
• Age of the applicant must be 60 years or above for Silpi Pension.
• The artist must have made an outstanding contribution in fields such as music, dance, fine arts, puppetry or mask making.
• Artists and technicians working in mobile theatre, amateur theatre and films are also eligible.
• Indigent families of such artists can apply for family pension.
• Valid documents are required to prove the recognition and contribution of the artist.

Application Process

The whole process is online and can be completed from home. Divyang or bed-ridden artists can get help from the district cultural office.

STEP 1 - Go to the official portal at silpisanmanassam.com and click on the Apply Here button on the homepage.

STEP 2 - Register on the portal by selecting the right category and entering basic personal details such as name, address and mobile number.

STEP 3 - Verify the mobile number using the OTP sent to the phone. One applicant with one mobile number can register only once.

STEP 4 - Log in with the registered details and fill the application form. Choose the category, fill family details and upload the required documents.

STEP 5 - Upload documents in the given format. Photos and certificates are to be uploaded in JPG format within 100 kb and proof certificates in PDF format within 5 mb.

STEP 6 - Submit the application and note down the application number for future reference. Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before starting the online application:

• PAN card and Aadhaar card in JPG format within 100 kb.
• Age proof certificate such as birth certificate, school leaving certificate, Aadhaar, voter ID or driving licence.
• Identity proof such as passport, voter ID, driving licence, ration card or bank passbook.
• Passport size photograph of the applicant. For family pension, single photo of the applicant and joint photo of husband and wife are needed.
• First page of the bank passbook and a valid income certificate.
• Death certificate of the artist for family pension and disability certificate for Divyang applicants.
• Achievement and recognition certificates, national or international, and recommendations, if any.

For help, call the helpline at +91 94011-83996 or write to silpipensiondca@gmail.com. The Directorate of Cultural Affairs office is located at Rabindra Bhawan, Ambari, Guwahati-781001.

References

Useful official links and documents for Silpi Pension Scheme:

Official Apply for Silpi Pension page | Silpi Pension Form PDF | Eligibility and Documents Notice | Amendment Notification

FAQ's

What is the primary purpose of Silpi Pension Scheme?

The scheme gives pension and cash grants to artists of Assam or their indigent families as a mark of appreciation for their outstanding contribution to art and culture.

How much will an artist receive under Artist Pension?

An eligible artist gets a monthly pension of ₹8,000.

How much will a family receive under Family Pension?

Eligible families get a monthly pension of ₹4,000.

Is Barxik Silpi Sanman grant given every year?

No, the ₹50,000 grant under Barxik Silpi Sanman is a one-time payment.

What is the minimum age to apply for Silpi Pension?

The applicant must be 60 years or above to apply for Silpi Pension.

Which fields are covered under this scheme?

The scheme covers music, dance, fine arts, puppetry and mask making, and also artists and technicians from mobile theatre, amateur theatre and films.

How can a bed-ridden or Divyang artist apply?

Cultural Development Officers or Junior Assistants from the Directorate of Cultural Affairs visit the home of such artists and help them complete the online application.

What happens if incorrect information is provided?

The applicant will be held responsible for any incorrect information submitted during the application process.