Introduction
The Tamil Nadu Government introduced the Assistance for Delivery of a Child Scheme specifically for registered female folk artists. This initiative provides timely financial support to cover delivery expenses. Moreover, the scheme encourages continued participation in cultural activities by reducing economic anxiety associated with childbirth. Consequently, female folk artistes can focus on their art rather than financial distress during pregnancy and delivery.
Furthermore, the scheme offers benefits for up to two pregnancies per artist ensuring both maternal and child welfare while acknowledging the unique needs of performing artists. Therefore, by combining cultural preservation with health protection, the government both safeguards heritage and empowers women in traditional arts.
The scheme was introduced by the government of Tamil Nadu, in order to enhance the financial assistance for a female folk artiste during the time of delivery. The assistance is provided upto two pregnancies only. For first baby, one thousand rupees will be provided for six months (totally six thousand rupees will be given). For second baby, one thousand rupees will be given for three months (totally three thousand rupees will be given for second baby).
What is the Scheme?
The scheme entitled ‘Assistance for Delivery of a Child’ grants financial aid exclusively to female folk artistes registered with the Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board. Importantly, the assistance stretches up to two childbirths per artiste:
- First child: ₹1,000 per month for six months (total ₹6,000)
- Second child: ₹1,000 per month for three months (total ₹3,000)
Therefore, the scheme delivers regular financial support during and after delivery. Additionally, the structure reflects sensitivity to health recovery periods and caretaking needs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify:
- The applicant must be a registered female folk artiste in Tamil Nadu, aged between 18 and 60 years.
- She must have renewed her membership with the Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board.
- The scheme covers only two pregnancies, so benefits stop after the second delivery.
Hence, even artists from economically vulnerable backgrounds can apply easily, as long as they maintain up-to-date membership.
Eligibility Requirements for Assistance for delivery of a child Scheme in Tamil Nadu
The beneficiary should be the registered (in Tamil Nadu) female folk artiste.
Documents Required for Folk Artists delivery assistance scheme
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- A copy of the registration ID card, including registration number
- Birth certificate of the child
- For abortions or medical terminations, an official medical certificate from a registered practitioner is mandatory
Thus, the documentation process remains clear and straightforward.
Folk Artists delivery assistance scheme – How to Apply ?
To apply, the artiste must:
- Download the application form from the Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board official portal or collect it from the Regional Office.
- Attach the required documents along with completed form.
- Submit the application to the Secretary, Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board either in person or via post.
- Authorities will process the form, and upon approval, artistes receive payments as scheduled either monthly or quarterly.
Moreover, early submission after childbirth ensures prompt disbursal and avoids delays.
Scheme Benefits & Structure
| Pregnancy Order | Duration | Total Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| First Pregnancy | 6 months | ₹6,000 |
| Second Pregnancy | 3 months | ₹3,000 |
Moreover, the payments reach artistes promptly via official channels. This consistent financial aid helps with medical bills, nutrition, and rest while recovering from delivery. Consequently, artistes can continue practicing their folk art with dignity and resilience.
Social and Cultural Impact
This scheme offers key benefits beyond financial aid:
- Firstly, it supports women’s health and recovery, particularly for artistes living in poverty or rural areas.
- Secondly, it prevents dropout from folk arts due to childbearing pressures. With financial security, artistes return to their art sooner.
- Thirdly, through regular support, the scheme sustains cultural continuity, ensuring Tamil Nadu’s rich folk traditions persist across generations.
Therefore, the scheme contributes to both female empowerment and cultural preservation.
Broader Art Community Welfare
In addition to delivery assistance, the Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board offers multiple welfare schemes, including:
- Education assistance for up to two children per artiste from Class 10 to postgraduate level, including hostel fees and professional courses.
- Marriage assistance, accidental death grants, medical aid, spectacles assistance, and funeral grants.
- A welfare fund benefits around 50,000 folk artistes across Tamil Nadu, distributing over ₹1.98 crore in aid across various welfare schemes up to March 2023.
As a result, female artistes gain access to a spectrum of support systems tied to cultural and personal milestones.
Whom to contact for Availing this Assistance for delivery of a child Scheme in Tamil Nadu?
If the folk artiste is registered in Tamil Nadu, then she is eligible to apply for this scheme. The applicant must take xerox of all the above mentioned documents and they should contact the Secretary, Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board or should send the filled application through post. Application for assistance for delivery of a child Scheme can be downloaded from Tamil Nadu government web portal.
Registration Process for Folk Artistes
To avail these benefit schemes:
- Folk artistes aged 18–60 may register at local Folk Artistes Welfare Board offices at district or cultural centres.
- Submit proof of age, residence, and testimonial of performance from a Village Administrative Officer.
- Pay a one-time registration fee of ₹100 and renew membership every two years with a nominal ₹10 renewal fee.
Hence, membership enables access to multiple welfare schemes across the state.
Challenges & Potential Improvements
While the delivery assistance scheme offers vital support, the following gaps remain:
- Some rural artistes still remain unaware of their eligibility.
- Administrative delays may slow payments in remote areas.
- Cultural stigma may discourage some women from applying due to paperwork.
To enhance reach, the government could:
- Launch robust awareness campaigns in local languages via grassroots organisations.
- Implement mobile outreach camps in rural villages.
- Simplify application and disbursal procedures further.
Such improvements can broaden impact and empower more women in culture-based livelihoods.
How to Get Started
- Visit your district cultural centre or Folk Artistes Welfare Board office.
- Confirm your registered membership status.
- Download/obtain the delivery assistance form (available in English and Tamil).
- Attach required documents and submit early after childbirth.
- After approval, payments should begin in the period specified (monthly or quarterly).
Consequently, artistes can receive relief at the time they need it most.
Final Thoughts by Tamildot
The Assistance for Delivery of a Child Scheme stands as a crucial welfare measure by the Tamil Nadu Government. Not only does it provide financial aid during vulnerable months, but it also values female folk artistes by supporting their continued cultural contributions. With prompt assistance and supportive policy design, this scheme upholds dignity, healthcare, and artistic heritage all at once.
For women folk artistes seeking assistance, full guidelines, application forms, and scheme updates are available on the Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board official page of the Art and Culture Department here: Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board
