Key Highlights
- Monthly financial support for senior artists aged 60 and above.
- Eligibility requires a minimum of 20 years of active contribution in music, dance, drama, painting or visual arts.
- Income thresholds determine honorarium: ₹10,000 for annual income up to ₹1.80 lakh, ₹7,000 for income between ₹1.80 lakh and ₹3 lakh.
- The scheme reflects Haryana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
Detailed Insights
The Haryana Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, sanctioned the Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana on 5 May 2025. The initiative aims to provide a steady monthly stipend to senior artistes who have devoted decades to the state’s artistic traditions. By recognising the lifelong contributions of veteran musicians, dancers, painters and theatre practitioners, the government seeks to alleviate the financial insecurity that often plagues ageing artists.
Applicants must be residents of Haryana, be at least 60 years old, and possess a Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) to verify age. A minimum of 20 years of active participation in any of the following fields is mandatory: singing, dancing, drama, painting or visual arts. The scheme’s financial parameters are tiered: those with an annual income not exceeding ₹1.80 lakh receive ₹10,000 per month, while those earning between ₹1.80 lakh and ₹3 lakh receive ₹7,000 per month.
Applications undergo an initial screening by the concerned department, followed by a review from a special committee that evaluates both financial need and artistic merit. Final selection is merit‑based, ensuring that the most deserving artistes receive the honourarium.
By offering this support, Haryana not only safeguards the livelihoods of its senior artists but also reinforces the cultural fabric of the state, honouring the legacy of the legendary Haryanvi poet and artist Pandit Lakhmi Chand.
Key Concepts
- Senior Artist – An individual aged 60 or above with a substantial history of artistic contribution.
- Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) – A government‑issued identity card used to verify age and residency.
- Monthly Honorarium – The stipend awarded to eligible artistes each month.
- Traditional Arts – Cultural expressions such as music, dance, drama, painting and visual arts that have been practiced in Haryana for generations.
- Cultural Heritage – The collective legacy of artistic traditions that the scheme seeks to preserve.