Culture Department's Important Initiative Towards Preservation of Folk Arts and Economic Empowerment of Artists
Raipur, With the aim of preserving and promoting Chhattisgarh's rich folk art and cultural heritage and providing economic support to artists, entries have been invited from folk artists of the state under the Chief Minister Folk Artist Incentive Scheme-2026 by the Directorate of Culture and Language. The objective of the scheme is to preserve and promote traditional folk arts, enhance the respect for artists, and provide new momentum to the sustainable development of art troupes.
Under the scheme, artists associated with dance-music, folk theatre, folk tales, Chhattisgarhi lyricists, instrumentalists, craft artists, Chhattisgarhi culinary arts (traditional cuisine), and Chhattisgarhi aesthetic arts (beautification) can apply. Applications will be sent by registered post in the prescribed format. Application forms are available on the department's website www.cgculture.in and can also be obtained from the office of the Directorate of Culture and Language, New Raipur.
Registration of eligible artists in the Chinhari portal will be mandatory under the scheme. Selected artists will be provided an incentive amount ranging from a minimum of Rs 12,000 to a maximum of Rs 24,000 annually through e-payment. This amount will be provided once in a financial year.
The benefit of the scheme will be available only to those artists whose annual income from all sources does not exceed Rs 96,000. For this, an income certificate issued by a competent authority must be attached. Details of bank account, IFSC code, and a photocopy of PAN card must also be submitted along with the application.
Address for sending entries – Director, Directorate of Culture and Language, Chhattisgarh Housing Board, Commercial Complex, 2nd Floor, Sector-27, New Raipur, Atal Nagar (Chhattisgarh) – 492018
The last date for receiving entries has been fixed as August 31, 2026. While sending the application, "Chief Minister Folk Artist Incentive Scheme-2026" must be clearly mentioned on the envelope. Received entries will be examined by a committee, and the committee's decision will be final and binding.
The Chief Minister Folk Artist Incentive Scheme is an important initiative towards the preservation of the state's rich folk art traditions, respect for artists, and economic empowerment. Through this, folk artists will not only receive financial support but will also get an opportunity to gain wider recognition for their art and pass on the cultural heritage to the new generation.