Senior writers and artists honorarium raised to Rs 5,000 a month

What does this GR say?

This GR gives one common honorarium of Rs 5,000 a month for life to eligible senior writers and performing artists, and replaces earlier rules with one revised set.

Main points

• One common rate of Rs 5,000 a month for all artists, for life, paid by DBT from 1 April 2024.
• Each year only a certificate that the person is alive is needed. Papers do not have to be given again to the district committee.
• Eligible: aged above 50 (40 for disabled), at least 15 years in art or writing, family income up to Rs 60,000 a year, livelihood only from art or writing, a resident of Maharashtra, and not in another regular monthly pension.
• Selection by a district committee under the Collector. Applications are invited every year in June and July.
• 60 percent of the quota goes to folk artists, 10 percent to devotional artists, 30 percent to film and drama, disappearing art forms, other performing artists and writers.
• If a beneficiary dies, the husband or wife becomes the heir.

Who can this affect?

Senior writers and performing artists of Maharashtra with low income, and their spouses.

What changed?

• The earlier system of grades is replaced by one rate of Rs 5,000 a month.
• Earlier GRs are combined into one revised set of rules.
• Income limit of Rs 60,000 a year and age limits are stated.

What should you do?

If you think you fit, read the scheme page and the official PDF, and watch for the yearly advertisement in June. Your Collector's office can tell you how to apply.

Newer GRs may exist. Check the official portal.