Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) Artiste's Pension is a welfare scheme by the Department of Art and Culture, Manipur, providing a monthly pension up to ₹4,000 to aged, reputed artists. This scheme supports those who have enriched the traditional and contemporary art forms of Manipur through financial support.
Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur runs this pension for aged artists who have worked in fields such as Theatre, Shumang Leela, Nupi Leela, Mime, classical dance, traditional dance, folk dance and tribal dance. The scheme keeps supporting its existing pensioners, and in 2026 the department issued a fresh notice for all beneficiaries to update their pension records.
Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) Artiste's Pension - Introduction
Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) Artiste's Pension helps support the dedicated creators who keep the culture of Manipur alive. This scheme by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, provides monthly financial support to aged artists who showed excellence in their fields. Whether a master of Shumang Leela, traditional folk dance, or classical music, this scheme makes sure the artist gets the appreciation and support they deserve.
For the year 2026, the Directorate of Art and Culture has notified all existing pensioners to collect their Pension Book from 30 July 2026 to 31 August 2026. Existing pensioners must submit a fresh life certificate, two passport-size photographs and two stamp-size photographs along with the filled-in prescribed format to keep receiving their monthly pension.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) Artiste's Pension |
| State | Manipur |
| Nodal Department | Department of Art and Culture |
| Benefit Type | Monthly cash pension |
| Maximum Pension | ₹4,000 per month |
| Application Mode | Offline |
Benefits
This scheme offers monthly financial support based on the category of recognition of the artist. The amount depends on whether the artist is an awardee or a non-awardee.
| Category | Number of Artistes | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Category A: Awardees and Gurus | 150 | ₹4,000 |
| Category B: Non-Awardees | 850 | ₹2,500 |
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the applicant should meet the following criteria:
- Applicant should be a permanent resident of Manipur.
- Applicant should be an artist of 60 years or above as of 1st April of the current financial year.
- Applicant should not be employed in any public or private undertaking.
- Total annual household income, including the spouse's income, should not exceed ₹1,50,000.
- For Category A, applicant should be a recognized National or State awardee such as a Padma Awardee, Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, or Manipur State Kala Akademi awardee.
- For Category B, applicant should be a well-known artist recommended by a competent authority such as the Shree Shree Govindaji Temple Board, or recognized by reputed government-authorized organizations.
Preference is given to artists living in difficult financial conditions. A dependent spouse of an artist who earlier received benefits under this scheme may also be eligible for financial or medical support.
Exclusions
An artist is not eligible for this pension if they already receive funds from any other State or Central government art pension or medical aid scheme. This policy stops double benefits and makes sure the support reaches those who need it most.
Application Process
Applications for this pension are submitted offline. Here is how to apply:
STEP 1 - Download the official application form from the official CMAT guidelines PDF published by the Government of Manipur.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the required fields in the form accurately, including name, address, Aadhaar number, age, date of birth, gender, field of art, and awardee or non-awardee status.
STEP 3 - Attach all the self-attested documents to the form along with two passport-size and two stamp-size photographs.
STEP 4 - Submit the complete file with a cover letter addressed to the Director (Art and Culture) at the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, Palace Compound, Imphal.
Documents
These documents are required for the application and for updating pension records:
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of domicile in Manipur.
- Aadhaar card or EPIC details.
- A life certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer, SDC, SDO, Elected Councillor, or MLA.
- An income certificate confirming that the annual income is within the limit.
- Bank account details for direct payments.
- A comprehensive bio-data along with relevant awards or certificates.
- Proof of date of birth.
Once selected, the artist must submit a fresh life certificate certified by the authorities every six months, in April and September, to keep the pension payments running without a break.
2026 Update for Existing Pensioners
In 2026, the Directorate of Art and Culture, Manipur, notified all existing pensioners that the department will issue Pension Books from 30 July 2026 to 31 August 2026. Existing pensioners must submit a duly filled-in prescribed format along with a life certificate, two passport-size photographs and two stamp-size photographs. The submission is done at the Directorate office, Palace Compound, Imphal East, between 11:30 am and 3:00 pm, with a daily issuing limit of 50 pensioners. Documents received after 31 August 2026 will not be accepted, and failure to submit on time may be treated as the non-existence of the pension beneficiary. As per the official notice on pension beneficiaries, this update is important for all current pensioners.
References
Directorate Notice on CMAT Pension Beneficiaries 2026
FAQ's
How is the pension payment released?
The government releases the pension directly into the personal bank account of the artist through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
What do I need to submit after selection?
A life certificate verified by a Gazetted Officer or similar authority must be submitted every six months, in April and September, to the Department for continued eligibility.
What is an EPIC?
EPIC stands for the Election Photo Identity Card.
Are online applications available?
No, the application is submitted offline by handing over the documents to the Directorate of Art and Culture in Imphal.
Can I apply if I work for a private company?
No, this scheme is meant for those who are not employed in public or private undertakings.
Is there an income limit?
Yes, the household income must remain under ₹1,50,000 per year.
What is the 2026 deadline for existing pensioners?
Existing pensioners must submit their Pension Book documents by 31 August 2026 at the Directorate office, Palace Compound, Imphal East.