Question : PENSION SCHEME FOR ARTISTS

(a) whether there is any pension scheme for the artists in the Ministry of Culture;

(b) If so, the amount of funds allocated for this scheme during the last three years and the current year;

(c) the number of artists benefitted under this scheme, State-wise including Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra;

(d) whether the Government proposes to increase the pension amount for the artists under the said scheme; and

(e) If so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a) Yes, Sir. It is known as the “Scheme of Financial Assistance to Persons Distinguished in Letters, Arts and Such Other Walks of Life Who May be in Indigent Circumstances and Their Dependents.”

(b)	(Rs.in crore)
Year	Plan	Non Plan
2007-08 (RE)	3.20	1.55
2008-09 (RE)	3.45	1.46
2009-10 (Final Grant)	6.80	1.89
2010-11 (BE)	4.80	2.20