Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana is a welfare scheme of the Government of Chhattisgarh that provides annual financial assistance to eligible traditional folk artists for preserving and promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage. Under the scheme, selected artists receive financial assistance ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹24,000 every financial year. Applicants must register on the Chinhari Portal before submitting their application through the Seva Setu Portal or the nearest Seva Setu Kendra.
Chhattisgarh Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana |
| Implementing Department | Directorate of Culture and Language, Government of Chhattisgarh |
| Launch Year | 2021 |
| Objective | Provide financial assistance to traditional folk artists and promote Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Traditional folk artists practising recognised art forms |
| Annual Income Limit | ₹96,000 |
| Annual Financial Assistance | ₹12,000 to ₹24,000 |
| Mandatory Registration | Chinhari Portal |
| Application Fee | ₹30 |
| Application Processing Time | 15 days |
| Application Mode | Online through the Seva Setu Portal or Seva Setu Kendra |
| Last Date to Apply (2026) | 31 August 2026 |
| Official Portal | Seva Setu Portal |
Introduction of Chhattisgarh Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana: A Brief Insight
The Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana is a welfare initiative of the Government of Chhattisgarh that provides annual financial assistance to traditional folk artists who continue to preserve and promote the state’s rich cultural heritage. Implemented by the Directorate of Culture and Language, Government of Chhattisgarh, the scheme recognises the contribution of artists engaged in various traditional art forms and supports them through direct financial assistance every year.
Chhattisgarh has a long tradition of folk music, dance, theatre, storytelling, handicrafts, and several other indigenous art forms that have been passed down through generations. However, many artists practising these traditional arts have limited earning opportunities. The Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana aims to encourage such artists by providing financial support so they can continue practising their art while helping preserve the state’s cultural identity.
The scheme covers a wide range of recognised folk art forms, including folk dance, folk music, folk theatre, folk narratives, Chhattisgarhi songwriting, traditional musical instruments, craft and sculpture, traditional cuisine, and traditional beauty and adornment arts. Artists practising any of these recognised disciplines can apply, provided they fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions notified by the department.
Under the scheme, selected beneficiaries receive annual financial assistance ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹24,000. The sanctioned amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s registered bank account through the prescribed electronic payment system, ensuring a transparent and hassle-free payment process.
To become eligible, applicants must register themselves on the Chinhari Portal, the official artist registration platform maintained by the Directorate of Culture and Language. They must also satisfy the prescribed income limit and submit supporting documents relating to their artistic work, achievements, and other required records while applying.
Applications for the Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana are accepted through the Seva Setu Portal or the nearest Seva Setu Kendra. After document verification and scrutiny by the Expert Committee, eligible applicants receive the approved financial assistance directly in their bank accounts.
Artists and their families may also find our detailed guides on the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, which provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women in Chhattisgarh, and the List of All Chhattisgarh Government Welfare Schemes, where you can explore the latest state government schemes covering education, healthcare, social security, employment, agriculture, and financial assistance.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana provides annual financial assistance to eligible folk artists to support their livelihood and encourage the preservation of Chhattisgarh’s traditional art and cultural heritage.
- Eligible artists receive annual financial assistance of ₹12,000 to ₹24,000.
- The financial assistance is released once every financial year.
- The sanctioned amount is credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through e-payment/DBT.
- The scheme covers artists practising various recognised folk art forms, including dance, music, theatre, storytelling, folk instruments, craft, traditional cuisine, and traditional adornment arts.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
To receive financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana, the applicant must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Culture Department, Government of Chhattisgarh.
- The applicant must be a traditional folk artist actively practising an eligible art form recognised under the scheme.
- Eligible art forms include folk dance, folk music, folk theatre, folk narratives or ballads, Chhattisgarhi songwriting, traditional folk instruments, craft or sculpture art, Chhattisgarhi traditional cuisine, and traditional beauty or adornment art.
- The applicant’s annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹96,000.
- Registration on the Chinhari Portal is mandatory before submitting the application.
- The applicant should possess supporting documents relating to their artistic work, awards, honours, or other recognitions, wherever applicable.
Eligible Art Forms Covered Under Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana
The Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana is open to artists practising the traditional folk art forms recognised by the Culture Department, Government of Chhattisgarh. Eligible art forms under the scheme include the following:
- Folk Dance and Music: Artists performing traditional Chhattisgarhi folk dance and folk music.
- Folk Theatre (Lok Natya): Artists associated with traditional folk theatre and stage performances.
- Folk Narratives and Ballads (Lokgatha): Traditional storytellers and performers of folk ballads.
- Chhattisgarhi Songwriters (Geetkar): Artists who compose traditional Chhattisgarhi folk songs.
- Traditional Instrumentalists: Artists skilled in playing traditional Chhattisgarhi folk musical instruments.
- Craft and Sculpture Artists (Shilp Kalakar): Artisans engaged in traditional handicrafts and sculpture.
- Chhattisgarhi Traditional Cuisine (Pak Kala): Artists preserving and promoting traditional Chhattisgarhi culinary practices.
- Traditional Beauty and Adornment Art (Saundarya Kala): Artists specialising in traditional Chhattisgarhi beauty, makeup, and adornment techniques.
Documents Required to be Attached
Applicants applying under the Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana should submit the prescribed documents along with the application form. Incomplete or incorrect documents may delay the verification and approval process.
- Income proof showing annual income does not exceed ₹96,000.
- Chinhari Portal registration number.
- Certificates or documents related to the applicant’s art form.
- Certificates, newspaper clippings, or appreciation letters supporting awards and achievements.
- Two recent passport-size photographs.
- Bank account details with IFSC Code for DBT.
- Self-attested copy of the PAN Card.
- Proof of identity and residence in Chhattisgarh.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Eligible folk artists can apply for financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana through the Seva Setu Portal. Before submitting the application, applicants must first complete their registration on the Chinhari Portal. The complete application process is explained below.
Step 1: Register on the Chinhari Portal
If you have not already registered as an artist, visit the Chinhari Portal and complete your artist registration. After successful registration, note down your Chinhari Registration Number, as it is mandatory while filling out the application form.
Step 2: Keep the Required Documents Ready
Before starting the application, keep all the required documents ready, including your income certificate, PAN Card, bank passbook with IFSC Code, two recent passport-size photographs, and documents related to your folk art, awards, honours, or other achievements. Having these documents ready will help you complete the application without interruptions.
Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form
Open the Seva Setu Portal and select Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana from the list of available services. Enter your personal details, Chinhari Registration Number, annual income details, and bank account information carefully. Make sure all the information matches your supporting documents.
Step 4: Upload the Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of all the prescribed documents in the format and file size specified on the portal. Before proceeding further, verify that every uploaded document is clear and readable.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee and Submit
After completing the application form, pay the prescribed ₹30 service fee and submit the application online. Once the application is submitted successfully, save or print the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
Step 6: Visit a Seva Setu Kendra (If Required)
If you are unable to apply online yourself, you can visit the nearest Seva Setu Kendra. The operator at the centre will complete and submit the online application on your behalf after collecting the prescribed service fee of ₹30.
Step 7: Verification and Approval
After submission, the concerned department verifies the application and supporting documents. The application is then placed before the Expert Committee for consideration. As per the Citizen Charter, the entire process is normally completed within 15 days.
Step 8: Receive the Financial Assistance
If your application is approved, the annual financial assistance is transferred directly to your registered bank account through the prescribed electronic payment system.
Important Links Available
- Seva Setu Portal
- Chinhari Portal
- Department of Culture, Government of Chhattisgarh
- Scheme Circulars and Notifications
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Department: Directorate of Culture & Language, Government of Chhattisgarh
- Address: 2nd Floor, Commercial Complex, Sector-27, Nawagaon Parsatti, Atal Nagar (Nava Raipur), Chhattisgarh – 492101
- Phone: 0771-2995629
- Email: sanskriti.rajbhasha@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana?
Ans. The Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana is a welfare scheme of the Government of Chhattisgarh that provides annual financial assistance to eligible traditional folk artists to encourage, preserve, and promote the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Q. Is this the same scheme as Rajasthan’s Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana?
Ans. No. Although both states have schemes with similar names, they are entirely different. Chhattisgarh’s scheme provides annual financial assistance to eligible folk artists, whereas Rajasthan’s scheme focuses on providing paid performance opportunities to registered artists.
Q. How much financial assistance is provided under the Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana?
Ans. Eligible artists receive annual financial assistance ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹24,000, which is credited directly to their registered bank account.
Q. Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Ans. Traditional folk artists practising recognised art forms such as folk dance, folk music, folk theatre, storytelling, Chhattisgarhi songwriting, traditional musical instruments, craft, sculpture, traditional cuisine, and traditional adornment arts can apply, provided they fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions, including the income limit.
Q. Is registration on the Chinhari Portal mandatory?
Ans. Yes. Applicants must complete their registration on the Chinhari Portal before submitting an application under the Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana.
Q. Which documents are required while applying?
Ans. Applicants should submit the prescribed documents, including income proof, Chinhari registration details, documents relating to their art form, records of awards or achievements, passport-size photographs, PAN Card, bank account details, and identity and residence proof.
Q. How can an artist apply for the Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana?
Ans. Eligible artists can apply online through the Seva Setu Portal. Those who need assistance may also submit their application through the nearest Seva Setu Kendra by paying the prescribed service fee.
Q. How long does the application process take?
Ans. As per the Citizen Charter, the application is generally processed within 15 days, subject to successful verification of the submitted documents.
Q. Who approves the applications?
Ans. Applications are examined by the designated Expert Committee, whose decision regarding the selection of beneficiaries is final.
Q. What is the last date to apply for the 2026 cycle?
Ans. The last date for submitting applications for the 2026 cycle is 31 August 2026.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.