Financial assistance for artists increased

The Kerala government has issued an order increasing the various financial assistance provided to artists through the Kerala Cultural Activists Welfare Fund Board, Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian said on Thursday (March 12, 2026). The superannuation pension has been increased from ₹4,000 to ₹5,000. The pension, which was ₹1,000 in 2016, was increased to ₹5,000 in four phases during the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s successive terms, he said.

In addition, family pension and disability pension have been increased from ₹1,100 to ₹1,600. Lifetime medical assistance has been increased from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh. This assistance, which was previously available only once, has now been made available every three years. With this, those suffering from terminal diseases will get up to ₹2 lakh as recurring financial assistance.

Marriage assistance has been increased from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000. Meanwhile, assistance for the family in the event of the beneficiary’s death has been raised from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000. The government has also decided to give one more opportunity to eligible artists who have crossed the age of 60 years to sign up for membership in the welfare fund board. Those who are eligible will have to apply for membership by paying 10 years of contributions within three months from April 1, 2026. Applications can be submitted online through the website of the Welfare Fund Board.