Introduction Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana is a cultural welfare initiative launched by the Government of Chhattisgarh to provide financial support to folk artists who actively preserve and promote the state's traditional art forms. The scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Culture and Official Language, Chhattisgarh. Through this initiative, eligible artists engaged in folk dance, folk music, folk theatre, storytelling traditions, handicrafts, traditional cuisine, visual arts, and other recognised cultural disciplines can receive annual financial assistance. The scheme aims to strengthen artists' economic conditions while encouraging the preservation of Chhattisgarh's rich cultural heritage for future generations. The Government has reopened applications for the 2026 cycle, and eligible artists can submit their applications up to 31 August 2026. Registration on the Chinhari Portal is mandatory before applying for the scheme. Benefits Annual financial assistance is provided to selected folk artists. Direct benefit transfer through a bank account without intermediaries. Recognition and encouragement for artists preserving traditional cultural practices. Financial support for artists engaged in folk dance, music, theatre, crafts, storytelling, cuisine, and visual arts. Helps strengthen the livelihood and economic stability of grassroots artists. Promotes the conservation and continuation of traditional art forms across Chhattisgarh. Financial Assistance Selected beneficiaries receive an annual incentive ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹24,000. The assistance is released once during the financial year. Funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account through e-payment. The competent expert committee determines the final incentive amount after evaluating the artist's experience, achievements, and contribution to the relevant art form. The decision of the selection committee regarding the incentive amount and beneficiary selection is final. Eligibility The applicant must be a resident of Chhattisgarh and actively engaged in a recognised folk art or cultural discipline. The annual income from all sources should not exceed ₹96,000. A valid income certificate issued by the competent authority is mandatory. The applicant must be registered on the official Chinhari Portal and possess a Chinhari Registration Number. The artist should have experience, participation, achievements, or contributions in the relevant folk art field. An artist selected under the scheme cannot apply again for the next two years after receiving the benefit. Documents Chinhari Portal Registration Number. Income Certificate issued by the competent authority. Bank Account Details for direct benefit transfer. Identity Proof. Address Proof. Certificates, reports, or supporting documents related to the applicant's art form. Details of awards, honours, recognitions, achievements, and participation in cultural events. Copies of certificates, appreciation letters, newspaper clippings, or other supporting evidence of artistic work. Two recent passport-size photographs. Mobile Number. Process to Apply Step 1: Chinhari Portal Registration Visit the official Directorate of Culture, Chhattisgarh Portal. Open the Chinhari Artist Registration section or directly visit the Chinhari Registration Portal. Select the appropriate artist category based on your art form. Enter the required personal, artistic, and contact details. Upload the prescribed documents and complete the registration process. Submit the form and save the generated Chinhari Registration Number for future use. Step 2: Scheme Application Obtain the prescribed application form from the Directorate of Culture or through the official portal. Fill in all required details, including personal information, art category, experience, achievements, district, mobile number, and Chinhari Registration Number. Attach all supporting documents related to eligibility, income, and artistic achievements. Verify all information before submission. Send the completed application form through Registered Post to the prescribed departmental address. Postal Address for Submission Director,Directorate of Culture and Official Language,Chhattisgarh Housing Board Commercial Complex,2nd Floor, Sector-27,Naya Raipur, Atal Nagar,Chhattisgarh – 492018 Envelope Remark: "Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana 2026" Selection Process Applications are examined by the designated expert committee. The committee evaluates the artist's experience, achievements, and contribution to the relevant folk art discipline. Eligible artists are shortlisted based on the prescribed criteria. Approved beneficiaries receive the incentive amount directly in their bank account. The decision of the selection committee is final and binding. Important Links Directorate of Culture, Chhattisgarh Chinhari Artist Registration Portal Contact Directorate of Culture Helpline: 0771-2537404 Official Website: www.cgculture.in FAQs 1. What is Chhattisgarh Mukhyamantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana?It is a financial assistance scheme launched by the Chhattisgarh Government to support eligible folk artists and preserve traditional cultural heritage. 2. How much financial assistance is provided under the scheme?Selected beneficiaries can receive annual financial assistance ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹24,000. 3. Who can apply for the scheme?Eligible folk artists residing in Chhattisgarh and engaged in recognised traditional art forms can apply, subject to fulfillment of all eligibility conditions. 4. Is Chinhari registration mandatory?Yes. Registration on the official Chinhari Portal and possession of a valid Chinhari Registration Number are mandatory for applying under the scheme. 5. What is the income limit for eligibility?The applicant's total annual income from all sources should not exceed ₹96,000. 6. What is the last date to apply?Eligible artists can submit their applications under the current notification up to 31 August 2026. 7. Can a beneficiary apply again next year?No. Artists selected under the scheme are generally not eligible to reapply for the next two years after receiving the benefit.