The main objectives of the scheme are – (1) to bestow dignity on folk artists by issuing them identity cards, (2) to uphold the traditional folk forms of Bengal, (3) to revive nearly-extinct folk forms of art and culture and (4) to uplift the socio-economic conditions of artists associated with folk culture.

Information & Cultural Affairs Department, West Bengal

This scheme was launched in 2014.

The applicant who has a lineage or belongs to a family practicing a given folk form or may belong to a tribal cultural/dance team or a folk-based instrumentalist as recognized by the Folk & Tribal Cultural Centre.

Yes, the beneficiary must be a permanent resident of West Bengal and must possess identity and residential proof including Aadhaar Card.

Yes, an identity card will be issued to each folk artiste.

Under the scheme, the veteran and distressed folk-artistes who are above 60 years of age will get a monthly pension of ₹1000/-.

The enlisted folk artists under the age of 60 years, who are engaged in publicity campaigns in different departments, have been receiving ₹1000/- per month as a retainer fee.

The state government will arrange the minimum income for folk artists by engaging them in the public campaign programme on development projects such as Kannyasree, Yubasree, Sikshasree, etc. and programmes like Nirmal Bangla, Sarbo Sikhsa Avijan, etc.

Performance fees @₹1000/- per head per day as and when engaged to perform their own genre mostly at any Government programme like fair/festival/ Krishi Mela/Sabala Mela, etc.

The Department of Information & Cultural Affairs publishes notifications in various vernacular newspapers from time to time in order to impanel the Folk artists through auditions in different phases held at the district. Interested and eligible Folk artists may then apply in the prescribed format for the necessary selection procedure.