Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme
The Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme provides financial support to folk artists in West Bengal.
Key facts
| Retainer fee | ₹1,000 per month for folk artists aged 18–60 |
|---|---|
| Pension | ₹1,000 per month for artists above 60 |
| Performance fee | ₹1,000 per programme at government events |
| Who | Registered folk artists resident in West Bengal |
| Conditions | Not an income-tax payer or government employee |
| Paid as | Directly to the artist’s bank account |
| Department | Information & Cultural Affairs Department, West Bengal |
| Portal | wblpp.in |
| Application window | New folk artists are enrolled through auditions announced periodically by the district Information & Cultural Affairs office — watch local newspaper notices for the next audition in your district. |
Benefits
Eligible folk artists receive a monthly pension of ₹1000 if they are over 60 years old. Artists under 60 can receive a retainer fee of ₹1000 per month and performance fees for government events.
Full guide
What the scheme gives you
Lokprasar Prakalpo is West Bengal’s scheme to keep the state’s folk traditions alive by giving folk artists a steady income and social security. A registered folk artist aged 18–60 receives a monthly retainer of ₹1,000, and after 60 that becomes a monthly pension of ₹1,000. On top of this, artists are paid a ₹1,000 performance fee each time they perform at a government programme — which also puts their art in front of new audiences. All payments go directly to the artist’s bank account.
Who can apply
The scheme is for genuine practising folk artists of Bengal. You are eligible if:
- You are a folk artist practising a recognised folk-art form
- You are a resident of West Bengal
- You are aged 18 or above (a monthly pension applies after 60)
- You are not an income-tax payer or a government employee
How to register
Enrolment is through the district Information & Cultural Affairs Department. Watch for audition notices in local newspapers, apply in the prescribed format, and appear for the audition/selection with your documents. Once selected and registered, your retainer (or pension, if you are over 60) is credited to your bank account, and you become eligible for paid government performances.
Documents you need
- Identity proof and recent photographs
- Proof of West Bengal residence
- Bank account details for the direct credit
- Any achievement / performance certificates for your folk-art form
Who can apply
- Age 18–60
- For: folk artist
- Resident of West Bengal
- not income tax payer
- no government employee in family
Applicants must be between 18 to 60 years old and engaged in folk arts. Those above 60 years are eligible for a pension. Applicants must be residents of West Bengal and cannot be income tax payers or government employees.
Who is not eligible
- People who are not folk artists / not engaged in a recognised folk-art form
- Non-residents of West Bengal
- Income-tax payers and government employees
- Applicants who have not been enrolled through the department’s audition / selection process
How to apply
To apply, contact the local district Information & Cultural Affairs Department for guidance on the application process.
- Contact the district Information & Cultural Affairs Department.
- Check for notifications in local newspapers regarding auditions for folk artists.
- Submit the application in the prescribed format for selection.
- Provide necessary documents for verification.
Documents required
- Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID)
- Passport size photographs
- Bank Account number/front page of passbook
- Address proof
- Achievement/honour certificates
- Any other documents as asked by the concerned Department
Common problems and how to fix them
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Don’t know when auditions are held | Auditions are announced by the district Information & Cultural Affairs office, usually through local newspapers. Ask that office directly for the next schedule in your district. |
| Retainer or pension not credited | Confirm your bank account is active and correctly linked, and that your registration is current; then follow up with the district office that enrolled you. |
| Turned 60 — will the money stop? | No. After 60 the monthly retainer is replaced by the monthly pension of ₹1,000, so eligible artists continue to receive support. |
| Not sure which folk forms qualify | The scheme covers Bengal’s traditional folk forms (such as Baul, Fakiri, Chhau, Jhumur, Kirtan and others). Ask the district office whether your art form is registered. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main goal of the Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme?
The scheme aims to support folk artists, preserve traditional art forms, and improve their socio-economic conditions.
Who can apply for the pension under this scheme?
Folk artists above 60 years of age are eligible for the monthly pension of ₹1000.
Is this scheme available to non-residents of West Bengal?
No, only permanent residents of West Bengal can apply for this scheme.
What documents are required to apply?
Applicants need to provide identity proof, photographs, bank account details, address proof, and any achievement certificates.
How much do folk artists earn for performances?
Folk artists can earn ₹1000 per day for performances at government events.
How is the selection process conducted?
The selection process involves auditions held by the district Information & Cultural Affairs Department, as announced in local newspapers.
How much do folk artists get?
₹1,000 a month as a retainer for artists aged 18–60, ₹1,000 a month as pension after 60, and ₹1,000 per performance at government programmes.
Who can apply?
Registered folk artists who are residents of West Bengal and are not income-tax payers or government employees.
How are artists selected?
Through auditions held by the district Information & Cultural Affairs Department, announced in local newspapers.
Does support continue after 60?
Yes — the retainer becomes a monthly pension of ₹1,000 after the artist turns 60.
How is the money paid?
Directly into the artist’s bank account.
Always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.
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