Highlights
- The Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists provides monthly financial assistance of up to ₹6,000 to eligible senior artists and scholars.
- Applicants must generally be at least 60 years old and meet the prescribed income and eligibility conditions.
- The annual income of the applicant, including their spouse’s income subject to applicable exclusions, must not exceed ₹72,000.
- Applicants must receive the required State/UT artists’ pension or obtain a recommendation from the relevant Zonal Cultural Centre (ZCC).
Customer Care
- Enquiry number: 011-24642165
- Email: document4moc@gmail.com / artistpension.moc@gmail.com (listed in the scheme guidelines for mandatory
Information Brochure
Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists Guidelines (PDF)
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Summary of the Scheme
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| Name of Scheme | Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists (formerly known as the Scheme for Pension and Medical Aid to Artists) |
| Benefits | Monthly financial assistance of up to ₹6,000 |
| Beneficiary | Senior artists, writers and traditional scholars aged 60 years or above who meet the eligibility criteria and face financial hardship |
| Nodal Agency | Ministry of Culture, Government of India |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | Through the concerned State/UT Culture Department or the relevant Zonal Cultural Centre (ZCC), depending on the applicant’s eligibility route |
Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists: Support for India’s Senior Artists
Many artists, writers, and traditional scholars spend their lives preserving India’s cultural heritage, yet face financial hardship in old age. The Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists (formerly the Scheme for Pension and Medical Aid to Artists), run by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is meant to help them.
Key Benefits
- Monthly financial assistance of up to ₹6,000 (up to ₹72,000 per year)
- Payment directly into the beneficiary’s bank account through Canara Bank
- If a beneficiary passes away, the surviving spouse may be considered for lifetime assistance, subject to government approval
Who Can Apply?
- Artists, writers, and traditional scholars aged 60 or above
- Those who have made a significant contribution to art, literature, or culture (traditional scholars may qualify even without published work)
- Annual income, including the spouse’s, not exceeding ₹72,000
- Those who either receive at least ₹500 per month as a State/UT artists’ pension, or have their credentials verified and recommended by the relevant Zonal Cultural Centre (ZCC)
- Applicants must not be receiving assistance under another Ministry of Culture scheme, such as the Repertory Grant
Meeting these conditions does not guarantee approval. Selection is based on merit and financial circumstances.
Documents Required
- Recent coloured photograph
- Proof of age and address
- Aadhaar card
- Income certificate in the prescribed format
- Proof of artistic achievements, awards, or recognition
- Bank authorisation form, verified by the bank
- State/UT pension proof or ZCC recommendation, as applicable
Documents must be in Hindi or English, or have a typed English translation attached.
How to Apply
- Download the application form from the Ministry of Culture’s scheme page.
- Gather all supporting documents.
- Choose your route. If you receive a State/UT artists’ pension, apply through the State/UT Culture Department. Otherwise, apply through your Zonal Cultural Centre.
- Submit the form with the recommendation. Hard-copy submission may still be required, so confirm the current method with the relevant authority.
- Wait for review. An Expert Committee evaluates complete applications on merit.
After Approval
Beneficiaries must submit a Digital Life Certificate every year (via the Jeevan Pramaan portal) and an income certificate once every five years.
Contact
Artist Pension Section, Ministry of Culture
Enquiry number: 011-24642165
Email: artistpension.moc@gmail.com