AI SummaryMukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana gives a monthly pension of ₹1200 to elderly artists who have spent their lives keeping Odisha's art and culture alive. The scheme is run by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Government of Odisha, and the MKSY portal accepts fresh applications for 2026 during the window announced by the department.
This state scheme is for artists who continue to practice and display traditional art forms even when money is tight. It checks age, annual family income, artistic contribution and overall family circumstances before approving support, so the pension reaches artists who really need it.
Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana - Introduction
Under Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana, the Odisha government honors artists who have devoted decades to exploring, showing and preserving the rich culture of the state. The scheme was made for elderly artists facing money problems, and it gives them a steady monthly income so they can continue their work without worry.
Every year the department publishes advertisements in print and electronic media announcing fresh applications. Eligible artists can register on the official MKSY portal, and the department checks each request through the district level committee before releasing the pension amount directly to the bank account.
Key Information
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary | Individual |
| State | Odisha |
| Category | Sports and Culture, Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Monthly Pension |
| Benefit Amount | ₹1200 per month |
| Main Department | Culture Department, Government of Odisha |
| Official Website | mksy.in |
Benefits
Eligible artists receive ₹1200 per month under this scheme. This money is transferred directly into their savings bank account held in any nationalized bank, so there is no middleman.
The pension gives elderly artists a regular income and lets them keep practicing their art without depending on others. Artists who work in handicrafts can also check the related Odisha Karigar Sahayata Yojana for artisan support.
Eligibility
To qualify for this pension, the applicant must be a resident of Odisha. A male artist should be at least 50 years old, while a female artist should be at least 40 years old. The annual household income must stay within the limit fixed for the area where the artist lives, as shown below:
| Area | Maximum Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Rural | ₹50,000 |
| Urban | ₹60,000 |
For example, a folk artist in a rural village earning ₹45,000 per year fits the income rule, but an income of ₹55,000 would cross the rural limit. The applicant should also not be receiving similar pension benefits from any other government scheme at the same time.
Every year in April, the beneficiary has to submit a Life Certificate. This certificate must be signed by an authorized person such as a local MP, MLA, Gazetted Officer, or the Chairman of the local ULB or Panchayat Samiti.
Pension Cancellation Terms
The pension can be stopped by the state in certain situations. The main reasons for cancellation are:
- Death of the beneficiary: the pension stops once the artist passes away.
- False information: if the application is found to contain wrong details, support is cancelled.
- Activities against public interest: participating in such activities can stop the pension.
- Loss of eligibility: if the artist no longer meets the scheme conditions, the pension ends.
- Late Life Certificate: missing the annual Life Certificate deadline also leads to cancellation.
Application Process
Fresh applicants can apply through the online MKSY portal. The department announces the application window through advertisements, so keep checking official media before applying. Follow the steps given below:
STEP 1 - Open the official MKSY website and go to the registration section. New users should click on Apply for Registration and fill in personal details, address, family income, artistic expertise and bank details.
STEP 2 - After registration, use the user name and password to log in to the portal.
STEP 3 - Complete the application form with all required details and upload the supporting documents.
STEP 4 - Review the information carefully and submit the application. Keep a copy of the acknowledgement for future reference.
Applicants can also check the beneficiary list and application status on the MKSY portal. For help, call the toll free helpline number 0674-2353029.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting the application:
- Identity proof: Aadhaar card or voter ID.
- Birth certificate: a legitimate copy for age proof.
- Residential proof: proof of address in Odisha.
- Photographs: recent passport-size photos.
- Income certificate: issued by a competent authority.
- Artistic certificates: documents showing skill or achievements in art.
- Banks details: savings bank account details, preferably in a nationalized bank.
- Mobile number: functional number for notifications.
Selection Process
Once submitted, the application goes to the District Level Selection Committee chaired by the Collector and District Magistrate. The District Culture Officer checks the applications for authenticity. After the committee finalizes the list and the Collector approves it, the details are sent to the Director, Odia Bhasa, Sahitya and Sanskruti Department for release of funds. The district office informs the applicant directly about the status.
References
Official Guidelines and Notification PDF
Online Application Portal (MKSY)
Culture Department, Government of Odisha
FAQ's
What is Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana?
It is a scheme of the Government of Odisha that gives monthly financial support of ₹1200 to elderly artists who have contributed to the state's arts and culture.
Who can apply for this scheme?
Artists who are residents of Odisha and meet the age, income and exclusivity conditions can apply through the MKSY portal.
What are the age requirements for applicants?
A male artist must be at least 50 years old, and a female artist must be at least 40 years old.
Are there specific income limits for this scheme?
Yes. The annual household income must not exceed ₹50,000 for rural residents and ₹60,000 for urban residents.
Can I get help from other schemes at the same time?
No. This scheme is exclusive, and an artist already getting similar pension benefits from another government scheme cannot apply.
What is the monthly pension amount?
Eligible artists get a monthly pension of ₹1200, directly credited to their bank account.
When can my pension be cancelled?
The pension can be cancelled if the artist passes away, gives false information, takes part in activities against public interest, loses eligibility, or fails to submit the annual Life Certificate on time.
How do I submit my application?
Apply online through the official MKSY registration page when the application window is open.
">