In a commendable step toward honoring the contributions of veteran folk artists, the Haryana government has introduced a new pension scheme aimed at providing financial support to aging artists. Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini officially announced the launch of the ‘Pandit Lakhmichand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana’ on Tuesday.

The initiative promises to offer a monthly pension of up to ₹10,000 to senior artists who have dedicated decades to preserving and promoting Haryana’s rich cultural heritage.

Financial Aid for Veteran Artists

Under this newly implemented scheme, artists from Haryana who have played a significant role in various traditional and folk art forms—but are now inactive due to old age—will receive financial assistance.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the Pandit Lakhmichand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must be 60 years or older.

• The applicant’s age must be verified through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP).

• The individual must have a minimum of 20 years of contribution to any form of art such as folk music, dance, theatre, acting, painting, or similar traditional disciplines.

• Artists whose annual income is ₹1.80 lakh or less (as recorded in the PPP) will be entitled to a monthly pension of ₹10,000.

• Those with an income between ₹1.80 lakh and ₹3 lakh annually will receive a pension of ₹7,000 per month.

This ensures a tiered support system based on the financial background of the applicants.

Online Application Process

Applications for this scheme will be processed online through the official portal of the concerned department. Once the application form is available, interested candidates will need to:

1. Fill in their personal and professional details.

2. Upload supporting documents, including proof of artistic contribution and any relevant press coverage.

3. Submit the completed application for review.

All applications will undergo strict scrutiny and verification. A special committee will evaluate each submission based on the applicant’s financial status and their artistic contributions.

Review and Approval

The committee will assess the depth and duration of the applicant’s involvement in the arts. Factors such as media coverage, recognition received, and overall impact on cultural heritage will be considered. After thorough review, a final list of approved beneficiaries will be published, and the pension amount will be credited directly to their bank accounts.

A Broader Vision for Artists' Welfare

This scheme extends its benefits to a wide spectrum of artists:

• Ragini singers

• Folk dancers

• Drama and theatre performers

• Actors in local films or plays

• Painters and visual artists

• Artists involved in any recognized folk or traditional form

By launching this initiative, the Haryana government aims to preserve the state’s cultural legacy while ensuring that the elderly artist community is not left behind in their later years.

Final Words

The Pandit Lakhmichand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana is a significant move that reflects the state's commitment to promoting and supporting art and culture. Artists who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply promptly once the online portal goes live.

This pension scheme not only offers financial relief but also acknowledges the lifelong dedication of artists who have contributed to keeping Haryana’s folk traditions alive.