Assistance for Purchase of Traditional Musical Instruments and Costumes for Scheduled Caste/Tribe Individuals

Assistance for Purchase of Traditional Musical Instruments and Costumes for Scheduled Caste/Tribe Individuals gives traditional musical instruments and costumes free to folk artists from SC and ST communities in Uttarakhand. Department of Culture and Endowments runs the scheme, and the latest registration window opened in January 2026 and closed on January 25, 2026.

Many folk artists in the state earn a living from traditional performances. Some cannot afford good quality instruments and dresses on their own. This scheme provides selected artists with a complete set of instruments and costumes, so their art and income both continue.

Assistance for Purchase of Traditional Musical Instruments and Costumes for Scheduled Caste/Tribe Individuals - Introduction

This scheme comes from the Department of Culture and Endowments, Government of Uttarakhand. It is made for folk artists from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities who practice local music and dance forms. Artists receive items like the Dhol, Damaun, Masakbeen, Ransingha, Trumpet, Nagada, Shield and Sword, along with traditional costumes.

The department distributes instruments to SC and ST artists every year through a fixed selection process. Each artist can get only one set during their lifetime, and the benefit is given as a one-time lifetime grant. Applications are collected in offline mode, and the final list is approved by a committee at the Directorate of Culture.

Benefits

Selected artists get traditional items free, which helps those who cannot afford to buy costly instruments on their own. Under this scheme, an artist receives:

• Traditional musical instruments like Dhol, Damaun, Masakbeen, Ransingha, Trumpet and Nagada.
• Traditional costumes needed for folk performances.
• Protective gear such as shield and sword used in traditional shows.

These items are given only once in the lifetime of an artist. The department also issues a tender to manufacturers every year to prepare good quality instruments for distribution.

Eligibility

Artists who match the following conditions can apply for this scheme:

• Applicant should be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand.
• Applicant should be a practicing folk artist who performs or plays traditional instruments.
• Applicant should belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
• Monthly income should not exceed ₹2,000, and an income certificate from the Tehsildar is required.
• Age of the applicant should be between 18 and 60 years.
• Only one artist per family can receive the instrument set.
• Applicant should not have received any financial support or musical instrument from another scheme of the Culture department earlier.

Application Process

Application process under this scheme is offline. Candidates must fill the form and submit it through the district magistrate's office of their district. Steps are given below.

STEP 1 - Wait for the public advertisement from the Directorate of Culture when the registration window opens. The latest window for 2026 opened in January 2026 and applications were accepted till January 25, 2026.

STEP 2 - Collect the application form and keep the required documents ready, such as income certificate, caste certificate, Aadhaar card and artist certificate.

STEP 3 - Fill the form and submit it at the district magistrate's office of the district. The office verifies the details and forwards the application to the Culture department.

STEP 4 - A selection committee chaired by the Secretary of Culture reviews the applications and finalizes the beneficiary list. The decision of the committee is final.

STEP 5 - After approval, selected artists can collect their instruments from the Directorate of Culture.

Documents

Keep these documents ready at the time of application:

• Income certificate showing monthly income not exceeding ₹2,000, issued by the Tehsildar.
• Artist or instrument proficiency certificate.
• Aadhaar card.
• Caste certificate.
• Bank account details along with passbook or statement showing account number and IFSC code.
• PAN card.
• Permanent residence certificate.
• Self-attested affidavit confirming that no similar grant or instrument has been received under other government schemes.

References

Uttarakhand e-Services Portal

News: Culture department to give free musical instruments to SC folk artists

FAQ's

Who is eligible for this scheme?

Folk artists from SC and ST communities who are permanent residents of Uttarakhand, aged between 18 and 60 years, with monthly income up to ₹2,000, are eligible to apply.

What type of assistance is provided?

The scheme provides traditional musical instruments such as Dhol, Damaun, Masakbeen, Ransingha, Trumpet and Nagada, along with traditional costumes and protective gear like shield and sword, all free.

How many instruments can an artist receive?

An eligible artist receives one set of instruments and costumes as a one-time lifetime grant.

Are there any income limits for beneficiaries?

Yes, only artists whose monthly income is ₹2,000 or less can get the benefit. An income certificate from the Tehsildar is required.

Can more than one member of a family apply?

No, only one artist per family is eligible to receive the instrument set under this scheme.

How are beneficiaries selected?

A committee chaired by the Secretary of Culture at the Directorate level selects the beneficiaries, and its decision is final.

How will artists know when to apply?

The Directorate of Culture issues a public advertisement when the registration window opens. New announcements can also be checked on the Uttarakhand e-services portal.