AI SummaryChief Ministergi Artistessingi Tengbang - Assistance to the Cultural Group for Training with New Production is a Manipur state scheme that gives money help to registered cultural groups so they can train the younger generation through new productions and keep traditional art forms alive. The Department of Art and Culture, government of Manipur runs this scheme and continues to accept applications for the 2026-27 period.
Manipur is known for its rich heritage and many cultural traditions that have passed from one generation to the next through practice and oral tradition. This scheme supports registered cultural groups that work on training young people with new products, so that local music, dance, theatre, visual arts and literature keep growing among the youth.
Chief Ministergi Artistessingi Tengbang - Assistance to the Cultural Group for Training with New Production - Introduction
Chief Ministergi Artistessingi Tengbang (CMAT) is an initiative by the Department of Art and Culture, government of Manipur. It provides financial support to registered cultural organizations that actively train the younger generation using innovative, new products. By doing this, the scheme helps preserve the traditional art forms of the state.
The assistance is given directly to the approved applicant or organization account through direct benefit transfer (DBT). The amount depends on the registration tenure and experience of the cultural group, and a government-appointed screening committee manages the selection of all applicants.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chief Ministergi Artistessingi Tengbang - Assistance to the Cultural Group for Training with New Production |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Manipur |
| Category | Sports & Culture, Social welfare & Empowerment, Skills & Employment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Artists, Individuals |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Nodal Department | Art and Culture Department |
| Application Mode | Offline |
Benefits
This scheme categorizes assistance based on the experience and registration tenure of the cultural group. The support is divided into two categories as given below.
Category A (Registered Groups over 25 Years with minimum 15 productions)
- Theatres: traditional, modern, or Shumang Leela theatre groups can get support.
- Dance: classical, folk, or tribal dance groups are covered under this category.
- Music: Hindustani, Sankirtana, folk, or tribal music groups can apply.
- Visual Arts: painting, sculpture, or graphic arts groups are eligible.
- Literature: literary groups can also receive assistance.
Category B (Registered Groups between 3 and 25 years)
- Theatres: traditional, modern, or Shumang Leela theatre groups are covered.
- Dance: classical, folk, or tribal dance groups can get support.
- Music: Hindustani, Sankirtana, folk, or tribal music groups are eligible.
- Visual Arts: painting, sculpture, or graphic arts groups can apply.
- Literature: literary groups are covered under this category.
- Research and book publication for individuals is also supported.
- Training on instrument or costume making for individuals is included.
The government transfers the financial assistance directly to the approved applicant or organization account through direct benefit transfer (DBT).
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, you should be a resident or domicile of Manipur. The eligibility rules are different for each category.
Eligibility for Category A
Your group should have completed a minimum of 15 remarkable productions in the last 25 years. Your group should have performed at a minimum of 3 to 4 national festivals and taken part in 3 to 4 state level programs. Your organization should not receive financial assistance from any other source for the same project.
Eligibility for Category B
If your group is aged between 3 and 15 years, you should have at least 5 remarkable productions. If your group is aged between 16 and 25 years, you should have between 6 to 10 remarkable productions. Your group should have performed at a minimum of 3 to 4 state level or national level programs. You should not be receiving support from other sources for this specific purpose.
Individual artists, writers, or artisans skilled in visual arts, research, or instrument making are eligible. For example, if a local craftsman creates traditional instruments, he may apply provided his work is based on authentic Manipuri culture. A government-appointed screening committee manages the selection process for all applicants.
Application Process
You should apply through the offline method as follows.
STEP 1 - Download the official application form from the guidelines PDF available on the Manipur government website.
STEP 2 - Fill in all required information and attach self-attested copies of the necessary documents.
STEP 3 - Submit your completed application and a cover letter addressed to the Director (Art & Culture) at the Directorate of Art & Culture, Palace Compound, Imphal, at least one month before your planned project schedule.
Documents
Please make sure you have these documents ready before applying.
- Passport sized photograph
- Aadhaar card
- Identity and address proof or domicile certificate
- Detailed project proposal with estimated costs
- List of all participating artists
- Bank account details
- Audited statement of accounts for the last 3 years (for groups)
- Use certificate for any previous government grants
- Reports of previous remarkable productions with supporting documentation
- Updated bio-data for individuals or activity reports for groups
- Registration certificate of your organization
References
View official guidelines and application form here.
FAQ's
What are the objectives of this scheme?
This scheme assists registered cultural groups in providing training to the youth, thereby preserving and enriching traditional Manipuri art forms.
What is the eligibility for Category A groups?
Your group needs 15 remarkable productions in the last 25 years, participation in 3 to 4 national festivals, and should not be receiving funding from other sources.
What are the requirements for Category B groups?
Requirements include having a minimum number of productions based on group age, participation in 3 to 4 state or national programs, and ensuring no other funding overlaps.
What forms of music are covered under Category A?
Covered genres include Hindustani, Sankirtana, folk, and tribal music.
What forms of theatre are covered under Category A?
Covered genres include traditional, modern, and Shumang Leela theatre.
What forms of visual arts are covered under Category B?
Covered genres include painting, sculpture, and graphic arts.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Department of Art and Culture, Govt. of Manipur manages this scheme.
Are online applications accepted?
No, you should submit your application offline.
To whom should the application be addressed?
Address your application to the Director (Art & Culture), Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, Palace Compound, Imphal.
Is it mandatory to self-attest documents?
Yes, you should self-attest all documents attached to your application.
Are there age limits for individuals?
No, there are no age-related restrictions for individual applicants.
Can a resident of another state apply?
No, only residents or domiciles of Manipur are eligible.
Is this a state or central scheme?
This is a 100% state-sponsored scheme.
Are applications from Scheduled Castes accepted?
Yes, all eligible applicants can apply regardless of their caste.