PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
In an effort to conserve local culture, the Culture department will provide musical instruments to folk artists belonging to scheduled caste category. The department has recently initiated the registration process for interested applicants, which will remain open until January 25.
According to officials, the department continually seeks to promote the culture of the State. This initiative also aims to support individuals with talents in singing and playing musical instruments who face financial constraints that prevent them from purchasing such items.
Officials informed that the registration process for this initiative is now open for SC folk artists throughout the State. Interested individuals can apply until January 25. Applicants are required to fill out a form and regarding this information, they can approach the Culture department. Officials also said that those who complete the form submit it to the district magistrate’s office in their respective districts, where it will be forwarded to the department.
Regarding the eligibility criteria for receiving musical instruments free of cost, officials stated that an artist can receive an instrument only once in their lifetime. Additionally, the monthly income of the applicant should not exceed Rs 2,000 and an income certificate must be obtained from the Tehsildar. Other eligibility requirements include: no more than one artist per family will receive an instrument and applicants must be aged between 18 and 60 years.
They further added that if any applicant has previously received financial assistance or a musical instrument from another scheme within the Culture department, they will not be eligible for this benefit. The concerned artist will need to provide an affidavit confirming that they have not received any grants or musical instruments from any other departmental scheme.
After receiving the recommendation from the DM, the proposal to provide musical instruments to the artists will be presented to a committee and their decision will be final, they said.
Officials also informed that a tender will also be issued to manufacturers for the musical instruments and for this, preparations are currently underway. Notably, each year, the Culture department distributes musical instruments to individuals belonging to SC as part of this initiative.
