Lokprasar Scheme: The government will provide ₹1,000 per month as pension to artists — check the application process

Under the inspiration of Honourable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Department of Information and Culture of West Bengal has launched a project to revive the nearly extinct folk arts scattered across different parts of Bengal. The name of this initiative is the Lokprasar Scheme.
The main objective of this project is to bring together financially distressed folk artists and extend a helping hand to them. The scheme has been introduced by the government to preserve Bengal’s vanishing culture and folk traditions.

Overview of Lokprasar Scheme

What is a Lokprasar Scheme ?

Folk art is one of Bengal’s oldest traditional art forms. To inspire the younger generation to participate in folk art and preserve the heritage of traditional folk culture, the Government of West Bengal has arranged financial assistance for folk artists across the state. This initiative is currently known as the Lokprasar Scheme.

The decision has been taken by the Government of West Bengal to ensure financial support for all folk artists and to keep the tradition of folk art alive. Under this scheme, all folk artists will receive a monthly financial grant of ₹1,000, along with a government-issued identity card.

Objectives of the Lokprasar Scheme

• To provide proper identity cards and recognition to all folk artists of Bengal
• To preserve Bengal’s endangered cultural heritage
• To revive folk art and cultural standards
• To provide monthly financial support to artists engaged in folk art
• To employ folk artists in various government-approved development projects and support them financially
• To ensure an appropriate monthly allowance for senior and elderly folk artists

Benefits of the Lokprasar Scheme

• All folk artists aged between 18 and 60 will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,000
• Senior folk artists aged 60 or above will receive ₹1,000 per month as a pension
• Folk artists who help promote various government schemes or participate in performances for promotion will receive additional financial support
• Ensuring proper work opportunities and financial security for folk artists

Eligibility Criteria for the Lokprasar Scheme

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal
• The applicant must be a recognized folk artist
• The applicant must have a permanent residential address
• The applicant must have a bank account in their own name
• The applicant must be above 18 years of age
• The applicant must have lived in West Bengal for at least 10 years

Documents Required to Apply for the Lokprasar Scheme

• Valid proof of permanent residence in West Bengal
• Government-approved national identity proof (Aadhaar card or Voter ID)
• Official registration number of the folk artist
• Recent passport-size color photograph
• Caste certificate, if applicable
• Income certificate approved by a competent authority
• Valid mobile number
• First page of the bank passbook in the applicant’s name

How to Apply for the Lokprasar Scheme

Currently, nearly 2 lakh folk artists across the state have been provided with special identity cards and recognition by the government. If you are a recognized folk artist, follow the steps below to apply:

1. First, visit the official portal of the Lokprasar Scheme.
2. After entering the page, click on the Contact option on the top right.
3. A list of districts will appear; select your district to find the nearest Lokprasar Scheme center.
4. You may collect the application form by visiting the respective office, or you may apply online through the official portal.
5. Fill in the application form with all required information and upload all necessary documents.
6. If you face any issues during the application process, you may contact the helpline number.

Important links of the Lokprasar Scheme: