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West BengalSocial Welfare
Lokprasar Prakalpo
Managed by: Department of Information and Cultural Affairs (Directorate of Culture)
About the Scheme
Lokprasar Prakalpo supports traditional folk artists (Baul, Chhau, Jatra, Santhali dance) by offering identity cards, monthly retainers, and old-age pensions.
Welfare Benefits & Assistance
- •Monthly retention fee of Rs. 1,000 for active folk artists (aged 18-60)
- •Additional payment of Rs. 1,000 per day for performing at government campaign campaigns
- •Monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 for senior folk artists (aged 60+)
Eligibility Criteria
State ResidencyPermanent resident of West Bengal
Age Limits18 to 60 years (or 60+ for pension)
Family Income CapTraditional folk artists earning from performances
Social Class / CategoryAll categories
Additional Prerequisites
- Must pass audition and hold an official Folk Artist Identity Card (Lok Prasar Card)
Documents Required for Application
Tip: Keep scanned color copies of these documents ready before starting your application.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
1
Audition schedules announced online at wbdico.gov.in
1
Register for audition at District Information Office (DICO) or during Duare Sarkar camp
2
Collect Lok Prasar Card post-audition
Who Should Apply?
- ✓Traditional folk musicians, dancers, and theater performers in West Bengal
Who Should NOT Apply?
- ✗Modern commercial musicians
- ✗Unregistered artists
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the monthly benefit for folk artists under 60?
They receive a monthly retainer fee of Rs. 1,000, plus daily allowances for performing at government campaigns.
Related Welfare Schemes
Old Age Pension
Who Can Apply:
BPL seniors aged 60+ not covered by Jai Bangla
Key Benefits:
•Monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 via DBT
•No beneficiary contribution required
Updated: July 2026
Literary and Cultural Pension Scheme
Who Can Apply:
Traditional authors, poets, musicians, and stage actors aged 60+ in WB
Key Benefits:
•Monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 credited to bank account to support sustenance during old age
Updated: July 2026
Jai Bangla Pension
Who Can Apply:
SC/ST residents aged 60+ in West Bengal
Key Benefits:
•Monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 credited directly to bank account
•Covers both Taposili Bandhu (SC) and Jai Johar (ST) sub-schemes
Updated: July 2026
Manabik Pension
Who Can Apply:
Persons with 40%+ disability in WB
Key Benefits:
•Monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 via DBT
•No age restriction for disabled persons
Updated: July 2026
Scheme Details
State / CentralWest Bengal
AuthorityDirectorate of Culture
SubcategoryFolk Artists Support
Launch Date2014
Target Beneficiarygeneral
Official Helpline033-2214-5500