Scheme to Provide Financial Assistance in the Form of Grant-In-Aid to Bhajani/ Choir/ Cultural Group/ Institutions for Purchase of Musical Instruments helps local cultural troupes in Goa buy musical instruments and keep their traditional music alive. Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa runs this scheme and has released the application form for the financial year 2026-27, so eligible groups can apply for a grant of up to ₹15,000.
This scheme supports Bhajani Mandals, choir groups, and cultural institutions that regularly perform bhajans, choir singing, and folk music. Instead of the department buying instruments centrally, groups now get cash support to buy the instruments of their own choice, which gives them more freedom to pick what suits their performances.
Scheme to Provide Financial Assistance in the Form of Grant-In-Aid to Bhajani/ Choir/ Cultural Group/ Institutions for Purchase of Musical Instruments - Introduction
Scheme to Provide Financial Assistance in the Form of Grant-In-Aid to Bhajani/ Choir/ Cultural Group/ Institutions for Purchase of Musical Instruments is a state-level scheme of Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa. It gives a lump sum grant to eligible groups and institutions so they can buy high-quality musical instruments and keep their artistic traditions going. The scheme has been running for years and continues for 2026-27 with a fresh application form.
Objectives
The scheme has a few clear aims that guide how the grant is given out.
- To encourage and sustain Bhajani Mandals, choir groups, and cultural troupes that help preserve cultural heritage through their performances.
- To give financial support to organizations and institutions working to promote and protect age-old culture.
- To promote local talent and give local cultural troupes a platform to grow.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scheme to Provide Financial Assistance in the Form of Grant-In-Aid to Bhajani/ Choir/ Cultural Group/ Institutions for Purchase of Musical Instruments |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Goa |
| Category | Sports & Culture |
| Target Beneficiaries | University / Institution |
| Sub Category | Culture |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Benefit Amount | Up to ₹15,000 per group |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Art, Culture and Museums Department |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Tags | Grant, Financial Assistance, Musical Instrument, Choir, Culture |
Benefits
Eligible groups and institutions can receive a lump sum grant of up to ₹15,000 for the purchase of musical instruments. For example, a local Bhajani group can use this money to upgrade its harmonium or tabla set. The Department may restrict the number of beneficiaries in each category based on the funds available for the year.
The grant is meant only for buying new musical instruments. It cannot be used for repairs, training, or any other purpose. Approved groups must use the grant within three months of receiving it and submit a utilization certificate with audited statements of accounts within six months from the date of sanction.
Eligibility
Any Mandal, group, institution, or troupe that meets the following conditions can apply for support under this scheme.
- The group should conduct regular musical performances like bhajans, choir singing, or folk performances.
- The Mandal, group, or institution should have at least 10 active members.
- Groups that have already received a grant under this scheme can apply again only after five years from the release of the first grant, subject to submission of the utilization certificate and their performance.
Application Process
The application is made offline. Directorate of Art and Culture has released the application form for the financial year 2026-27, which can be downloaded or collected from the office.
STEP 1 - Visit the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Goa, located at 5th Floor, Shram Shakti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Goa - 403001.
STEP 2 - Obtain the official application form for 2026-27 by downloading it or requesting a hard copy at the office. A form charge of ₹10 is applicable.
STEP 3 - Fill in all required details, affix passport-sized photographs of the President and Secretary signed across the face, and attach self-attested copies of the required documents.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application form directly to the ACO-II at the Directorate of Art & Culture. For queries, call 0832-2404623 or email aco3-dac.goa@nic.in.
Documents
The following documents must be enclosed with the application form. Applications without the mandatory documents are rejected.
- Copy of the Registration Certificate of the bhajani/choir/cultural group or institution.
- Report of activities, such as participation in competitions or festivals, along with participation certificates. (Mandatory)
- Certificate of Existence and functioning of the group from a local MLA, Mamlatdar, BDO, Sarpanch, or Gazetted Officer. (Mandatory)
- List of at least 10 members with their addresses. (Mandatory)
- Copy of ID proof of the contact person, such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, EPIC card, or bank passbook. (Mandatory)
- Bank account details of the group in the given format or a photocopy of a cancelled cheque. (Mandatory)
References
FAQ's
Which office should I contact for help with this scheme?
Contact the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, at 5th Floor, Shram Shakti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Goa - 403001, for guidance through the application process.
Can my group apply if we have already received funds before?
Yes, but only after five years from the release of the first grant, subject to submission of the utilization certificate and the group's performance.
Is there a minimum size requirement for our group?
Yes, your group should have at least 10 active members to be eligible.
How does the government ensure the funds are distributed fairly?
The Department manages the number of beneficiaries in each category every year based on the total budget and fund availability.
Can we use the money for repairs or training?
No, this financial support is strictly for the purchase of new musical instruments.
What is the role of local officials in our application?
Local authorities like your Sarpanch or Mamlatdar verify the group's active existence, which is a required step to confirm the group works in the community.
How much money will my group receive?
Approved groups or institutions can receive a lump sum grant of up to ₹15,000.