The Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists, earlier known as the Scheme for Pension and Medical Aid to Artists, is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The scheme aims to provide financial security and dignity to senior artists and scholars who have made significant contributions to Indian art, culture, and literature but are currently facing financial hardship due to old age or poor economic conditions.
Under this scheme, eligible veteran artists receive a monthly financial assistance (pension) jointly supported by the Central Government and the respective State Government or Union Territory Administration.
Objectives of the Scheme
- To improve the financial and socio-economic condition of veteran artists
- To support artists who contributed significantly to arts, culture, and literature
- To provide a monthly pension to artists living in penury
- To ensure continued recognition of traditional scholars and artists
Types of Beneficiaries Covered
The scheme covers the following two categories:
- Existing Beneficiaries
Artists already receiving pension under the 1961 scheme of financial assistance to distinguished persons. - New Applicants
Eligible artists, writers, and scholars applying under the current guidelines of the scheme.
Administration of the Scheme
- Implemented by the Ministry of Culture
- Supported by Zonal Cultural Centres
- South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur acts as the main coordinator
- The Ministry reserves the right to amend the scheme guidelines when required
Financial Benefits Under the Scheme
- Total Monthly Assistance: ₹6,000 per beneficiary
Contribution Structure
- Minimum contribution by State Government / UT: ₹500 per month
- Maximum contribution by Central Government: ₹5,500 per month
Special Conditions
- If a State already provides ₹1,000 per month pension, the Centre will contribute ₹5,000
- If a State/UT does not offer an artist pension, the Central Government pays the full ₹6,000
- In case of the beneficiary’s death, pension may be transferred to the spouse for life, subject to approval
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible under the scheme, the applicant must fulfill the following conditions:
- Must have made significant contributions to art, culture, or literature
- Traditional scholars are eligible even without published works
- Age should be 60 years or above (age limit not applicable to spouse)
- Monthly personal income (including spouse) must not exceed ₹4,000 or ₹48,000 annually
- Must receive at least ₹500 pension from State Government, or be recommended by Zonal Cultural Centres
- Should not be receiving financial assistance from other Ministry of Culture schemes
When Is the Pension Discontinued?
The pension may be discontinued if:
- Monthly income exceeds ₹4,000 (excluding pension amount)
- False information or discrepancies are found in documents
- The beneficiary voluntarily relinquishes the pension
- Government terminates the allowance with a three-month notice
Application Process
Online Application
- Apply through the Culture Scheme Monitoring System (CSMS)
- Visit the Ministry of Culture portal under “MOC Schemes Application”
- Register, login, and submit the application online
Selection Process
- Physical verification of applicants
- Evaluation by an Expert Committee
- Examination by the Administrative Division
- Final approval by the Competent Authority
- Financial clearance by Internal Finance Division
Pension Disbursement Process
- Pension is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account
- Payment is done via PFMS / Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Mandatory submission of:
- Digital Life Certificate (DLC) every November
- Income Certificate every five years
Failure to submit required documents may result in suspension of pension.
Documents Required
- Passport-size color photograph
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of age and address
- Original income certificate
- Documents proving artistic contribution or awards
- Bank authorization letter
- Recommendation letter from State Culture Department
For Spouse Pension (After Death of Beneficiary)
- Death certificate
- Legal heir certificate
- Income certificate of spouse
- Aadhaar and address proof of spouse
- Digital Life Certificate via Jeevan Pramaan
Contact Details
Ministry of Culture
Section Officer, D-Block, Puratatva Bhawan,
GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi – 110023
📞 Phone: (011) 24642165
LIC of India (Pension Management)
📞 Enquiry Numbers: 23708275, 23705953
📧 Email: bo_g103@licindia.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists?
- Is this a centrally sponsored scheme?
- Who can apply for the artist pension?
- What is the monthly pension amount?
- Can the spouse receive pension after the artist’s death?
- How can one apply online for the scheme?
Conclusion
The Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists is a vital welfare initiative that honors India’s cultural contributors by ensuring them financial stability in their later years. With a monthly pension of up to ₹6,000, the scheme safeguards the dignity and livelihood of senior artists and their families.