Kala Samman Scheme

Kala Samman Scheme provides monthly financial support to elderly artists in Goa who are living in poor conditions. The Government of Goa runs this scheme to honor the lifelong work of artists in the field of art and culture.

The scheme went online from 11 July 2024 on the Goa Online Services Portal. Eligible artists can now apply from home by filling the form on goaonline.gov.in, and those who need help can also visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE).

Kala Samman Scheme

The Department of Art and Culture manages Kala Samman Scheme to provide a helping hand to age-old artists in indigent circumstances. Every month these artists receive financial assistance to manage their daily needs.

Its main aims are to give reliable money help to artists in need, to offer a monthly pension that covers essential daily expenses, and to formally appreciate the lifelong dedication of artists to the growth of culture.

Here are the key details of the scheme at a glance.

Benefits

This scheme offers monthly financial support so that elderly artists can live with dignity. The assistance amounts provided are:

State Cultural Award recipients get the higher amount only if they are willing to accept it and are not receiving any other government pension. The final number of approved cases depends on the annual budget availability.

Eligibility

To qualify for support under Kala Samman Scheme, the following requirements should be met:

1. The applicant should be an artist currently in indigent financial conditions.
2. The applicant should have reached at least 60 years of age.
3. The applicant must have a verifiable history of work and contribution in the field of art and culture.
4. The annual income should not exceed ₹ 48,000.

If the applicant has received the prestigious State Cultural Award, the income limit clause is waived for the application.

Application Process

Kala Samman Scheme is now fully online on the Goa Online Services Portal. Here is how to apply from home.

STEP 1 - Register on www.goaonline.gov.in by providing email id, mobile number, name, address and date of birth, and complete the OTP authentication.

STEP 2 - After successful registration, login with the credentials and go to Services Menu, then All Services, then Department of Art and Culture, and select Kala Samman Pension Scheme.

STEP 3 - Fill in the online application form and upload the required documents. Only self-attested documents should be uploaded.

STEP 4 - Click on the submit application button. An acknowledgement SMS and email will be sent on submission. Note the acknowledgement number for application tracking. The processing time is sixty days under the Right of Citizens to Time-bound Delivery of Public Services Act.

Documents

Make sure these documents are ready to verify eligibility before starting the online application:

• Photograph of the artist, which is mandatory.
• Copy of Aadhaar card, which is mandatory.
• Birth certificate, school leaving certificate or baptism certificate, any one of these, which is mandatory.
• Bank passbook and bank statement of the last financial year, both mandatory.
• Income certificate issued by any competent authority, which is mandatory.
• Resume or bio-data or work proof, which is mandatory.
• Two letters of reference from any recognized artist or cultural institution, which are mandatory.

Caste certificate is required if the applicant belongs to a category other than General, and a DSSS cancellation letter is mandatory if the applicant was a DSSS beneficiary. A marriage or divergence certificate should be uploaded in case of a name change.

References

Kala Samman Scheme Now Online Notice | Official Scheme Guidelines | Download Application Form | Read Citizen Charter | Apply Online on Goa Online Portal

FAQ's

Who holds the final authority in case of a dispute?

The Minister for Art and Culture reviews such matters, and the decision remains final.

Can the government change the rules of this scheme?

Yes, the government reserves the right to relax specific clauses if necessary, provided the reasoning is documented.

How is the financial aid handed out?

Once the committee recommends the case and the Director approves it, the funds are disbursed during departmental functions or through other designated modes.

Who qualifies for this assistance?

Any artist aged 60 or above, who is in financial need and has contributed meaningfully to the arts, can apply.

What if incorrect age details are provided on the application?

The responsibility for accuracy lies with the applicant. Providing false information may lead to rejection or further action.