Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Senior Writers and Artists Honorarium Scheme (Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Jyeshtha Sahityik va Kalakar Manadhan Sanman Yojana)

In simple words

A monthly honorarium of Rs 5,000 for life for senior writers and performing artists of Maharashtra who live on their art and have a low family income.

What you may get

Rs 5,000 a month for life, paid by DBT from 1 April 2024. Each year the person only needs to give a certificate that they are alive.

Who it is for

Writers and performing artists of Maharashtra aged above 50 (above 40 if disabled), with at least 15 years of work and family income up to Rs 60,000 a year.

Main eligibility conditions

• Age above 50. For disabled persons the age limit is 40.
• At least 15 years of contribution in art or literature.
• Family income up to Rs 60,000 a year.
• Livelihood depends only on art or writing. Not covered by another regular monthly pension of the central or state government.
• Must live in Maharashtra.
• Older people, widows, deserted women and disabled artists get priority.

Conditions we could not check

• At least 15 years of work in performing arts or writing, with livelihood depending only on that work.
• Not covered by another regular monthly pension scheme of the central or state government or its corporations.
• Widows, deserted women and disabled artists get priority. Selection is by a district committee under the Collector.

Documents you may need

• Age proof
• Aadhaar card
• Income certificate
• Residence certificate
• Undertaking
• Joint photo of husband and wife, if applicable
• Bank account number and IFSC code
• Disability certificate, if applicable
• State or central award certificate, if applicable
• Recommendation letter from a named institution or person, if applicable
• Other proofs

How to apply

1. Every year in June an advertisement is given in local newspapers. Applications are invited in July.
2. Apply online to the District Collector. The GR says the online link will be sent later, so check the notice of your Collector's office or the Directorate of Cultural Affairs.
3. The district selection committee checks applications in August and September and decides names in October and November. Payment starts from April of the next financial year.

Application fee

We could not find the application fee in the official source. Check the fee on the official website or PDF before you apply.

Application dates

• We could not find the current last date in the official source. Check the official source.