Scheme of Financial Assistance to New Writers of Gujarati Language and Literature for Publishing Original Works of Creative and Fine Literature

Scheme of Financial Assistance to New Writers of Gujarati Language and Literature for Publishing Original Works of Creative and Fine Literature is a Gujarat state scheme managed by Gujarat Sahitya Academy. It helps first-time Gujarati authors cover the printing cost of their original literary work. The scheme is open for applications, and the last date to apply is 31 October 2026.

The scheme gives money to new writers who want to publish their first book of creative Gujarati literature. This includes novels, short stories, plays, essays, poetry and autobiographies. The grant covers part of the printing expense, so a talented writer who cannot afford to print a book can still bring it to readers.

Scheme of Financial Assistance to New Writers of Gujarati Language and Literature for Publishing Original Works of Creative and Fine Literature

Gujarat Sahitya Academy runs this scheme under the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department of Gujarat government. A writer who has never published any literary work in any language is treated as a new writer under this scheme. The manuscript must be an original creative work and must not have been published earlier in any form.

The book has to be printed in at least 300 copies. After approval, the writer must publish the book within three months. The Academy also asks for 15 free printed copies of the book along with the original printing bills and approval records.

Key Information

Benefits

The scheme gives a grant to cover part of the printing cost of the manuscript. The amount given is the lower of 75% of the calculated printing cost or the ceiling fixed for the page count of the book.

Supplementary printing size assistance is also given as per the size and format of the book:

Eligibility

To apply under this scheme, a writer should meet these requirements:

• The applicant should be a first-time writer in Gujarati language and literature. A writer whose work has never been published as a book in any language is treated as a new writer.
• The manuscript should be an original work such as a novel, short story collection, play, biography, literary essay or poetry collection. Translations are not covered under this scheme.
• The work should not be an edited compilation or related to non-literary subjects.
• The writer should not have received more than five grants from any academy affiliated with Gujarat Sahitya Academy previously.
• The manuscript must be typed, bound, paginated and submitted in two copies. The title, content or format cannot be changed after submission without written approval from the Academy.

Only one application can be submitted per financial year, and a manuscript rejected in an earlier year cannot be submitted again.

Application Process

Application for this scheme is done online through the official Gujarat Sahitya Academy website. Follow these steps to complete the process:

STEP 1 - Visit the official application form page on the Gujarat Sahitya Academy website.

STEP 2 - Fill in all the required details and upload copies of the required documents as listed in the documents section.

STEP 3 - Verify the details by clicking the checkbox and completing the captcha security check.

STEP 4 - Submit the application form for further review by the Academy.

Contact Details: Gujarat Sahitya Academy, Jawerchand Meghani Bhavan, Behind Krishi Bhavan, Sector 10-A, Gandhinagar - 382010. Phone: 079-23256797, 23256798; 7621005656. Email: gsagandhinagar@gmail.com

Documents

Keep these documents ready before starting the application:

• Duly filled application form.
• A short bio-data of the writer.
• Both soft and hard copies of the manuscript.
• A signed declaration stating that the work is original and unpublished.
• Personal bank account details of the applicant.
• Valid Aadhaar card or other government ID proof.

References

Official scheme rules and guidelines can be viewed here: Scheme Guidelines. The list of all active schemes and their application links is available on the official yojana list page.

FAQ's

What is the purpose of this scheme?

This scheme supports emerging Gujarati writers by covering a portion of their printing costs when publishing their first original literary work.

Who is eligible for this assistance?

New writers who are publishing their first original book of Gujarati literature and have never published any literary work before are eligible to apply.

Which literary works qualify for the grant?

Qualifying works include novels, short stories, plays, biographies, literary essays and poetry collections. Translations, non-literary books and edited compilations are not eligible.

What is the maximum grant amount?

The grant is the lower of 75% of the calculated printing cost or the ceiling, which is ₹25,000 for manuscripts up to 112 pages and ₹30,000 for longer manuscripts.

Can I apply more than once in a year?

No, only one application can be submitted per financial year.

Can I apply if I have received grants before?

Writers who have already received financial assistance five or more times from Gujarat Sahitya Academy or its affiliated language academies are not eligible.

How should I submit the manuscript?

You should provide two typed, bound and paginated copies of the manuscript that are clearly labeled with your contact details and the book title.

Can I edit my book after submission?

You cannot change the title, content or formatting after submission unless Gujarat Sahitya Academy gives written consent.

How many copies must be printed?

The approved book must be printed in at least 300 copies.

What is the deadline for publishing?

The book must be published within three months of receiving the official grant approval.

How many copies must I provide to the Academy after printing?

You are required to submit 15 free printed copies of your book to Gujarat Sahitya Academy along with the original printing bills and approval records.

Do I need to give credit to the Academy?

Yes, the printed book must show the text "Published with financial assistance from Gujarat Sahitya Academy" along with the Academy logo on the inner front and back cover.

Can the grant be transferred to a publisher?

No, the financial assistance is non-transferable and cannot be given to private publishers or third parties.