Artists often suffer from financial constraints; in such a condition, damage to their home caused by a natural calamity can bring an unexpected financial burden, with even basic repairs adding to household expenses. For artists in Goa, however, the state has a provision that offers some relief to those facing such circumstances. Under the “Kalakar Kritadnyata Nidhi” scheme, eligible artists can receive financial assistance towards repairing or reconstructing houses damaged by natural calamities, subject to the prescribed conditions.Under the scheme, the Goa government offers financial assistance of up to Rs 25,000 to eligible artists whose houses have been damaged by natural calamities.The assistance is intended to help meet expenses related to the repair or construction of a house damaged due to a natural calamity. The maximum assistance available is either Rs 25,000 or the valuation carried out by the concerned taluka mamlatdar, whichever is lower.The scheme is meant for aged and needy Goan artists recognised by the Directorate of Art & Culture, government of Goa.However, to be eligible for the scheme, the applicant must have been born and brought up in Goa, while the general annual family income should not exceed Rs 2 lakh. The age requirement for eligible artists is 50 years or above, although the government can relax this condition in deserving cases under special circumstances.Applicants are required to submit relevant documents issued by competent authorities, depending on the nature of assistance sought. These may include birth, marriage, dependency, income and medical certificates, among other documents. Applications without the required documentation may be rejected.The Kalakar Kritadnyata Nidhi is a broader welfare scheme for needy Goan artists and their dependent families. Apart from assistance for houses damaged by natural calamities, it also covers medical treatment, marriage of daughters, funeral expenses, scholarships or incentives for artists’ wards, self-employment assistance and a lump-sum grant.
