Are you an art, music or dance student in Manipur who has been unable to access the necessary tools or equipment due to the expense? Your talent and passion are critical to our culture and Government of Manipur has come to invest in you.
Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT): The scheme of Support of Purchase of Instruments / Equipment is a high-sighted plan by the Department of Art and Culture. It serves to nurture gifted students and aspiring artists with the economically humble backgrounds they have and offer them the means with which they can pursue their trade and move into the professional levels.
This program acknowledges that the musician must have his instrument, the artist his brushes and the dancer his accessories, as a scholar must have his books. Removing this funding hurdle, the scheme equips the cultural ambassadors of a new generation of Manipur.
Key Benefits of the CMAT Scheme
- Financial Reimbursement: Have financial reimbursements given to acquire the necessary instruments, equipment or tools needed in your discipline of art.
- Broad Scopes: 300 needy students are sponsored under this scheme every year.
- Repeat Benefit: The Eligible students are given the chance to receive the benefit twice throughout their entire period of studentship, separated by no less than 1 year between applications.
Please Note: The final amount of financial assistance granted is determined by the scheme’s Screening Committee based on the requirement and cost.
Are You Eligible?
To apply for the CMAT instrument support, you must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You must be a permanent resident or domicile of Manipur.
- Educational Institution: You must be a student at one of the following recognised institutes:
- Government Dance College
- Shree Shree Bal Mukunda Dev Music College
- Imphal Art College
- Manipur University of Culture
- Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy
- Manipur University (specifically in the Dance, Music, or Fine Art Department)
- Course of Study: You must be actively pursuing a course in an art form (e.g., music, dance, fine arts).
- Age Limit: You must be below 30 years of age as of 1st April of the application year.
- Income Ceiling: The combined annual income of your parents and yourself must be less than ₹1,00,000 (One Lakh Rupees).
How to Apply for the Scheme (Offline Process)
The application process for the CMAT scheme is conducted offline. Follow these steps carefully:
- Download and Print: Obtain and print out the application form from the official scheme guidelines.
- Fill and Attach: Complete the form in full, ensuring all mandatory fields are filled. Self-attest and attach all the required documents (listed below).
- Submit: Send the duly filled application form, along with a cover letter addressed to The Director (Art & Culture), to the following address. Your application must reach them at least one month before your planned purchase/travel schedule.Submission Address:
Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur,
Palace Compound, Imphal.
Checklist of Required Documents
Ensure you have the following self-attested copies ready to submit with your application:
- Recent Passport Sized Photograph
- Aadhaar Card
- Valid Residential/Domicile Certificate of Manipur
- Bonafide Student Certificate from your institution
- Proof of Age / Date of Birth Certificate
- Certificate from your teacher justifying the need for the instruments/equipment
- Income Certificate (issued by a Gazetted Officer)
- Bill or Voucher for the purchased equipment/instrument (to be submitted for reimbursement)
- Bank Account Details
Crucial Note: An income certificate issued by an officer or teacher from your own educational institution will not be accepted. It must be from an external Gazetted Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main goal of the CMAT scheme?
The program is designed to offer educational assistance to gifted art, music and dance students in Manipur that are unable to afford the needed instruments or equipment that would enable them to continue with their studies and career.
Q2: How many times can I get help from this scheme?
You may get the benefit twice during your total academic life, but in between applications, there should be one year interval.
Q3: Can students from Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy apply?
Yes, the students of JN Manipur Dance Academy are clearly mentioned as being eligible to avail this scheme.
Q4: Is there an online application option?
No, at this point the scheme accepts just the offline applications that are made physically to the Directorate of Art and Culture in Imphal.
Q5: Will an income certificate from my college teacher be accepted?
No. The Gazetted Officer who issues the income certificate should not be a member of your learning institution.
Q6: What is the income limit for eligibility?
The total annual income of your parents and yourself must be under ₹1,00,000.
Q7: To whom should I address the cover letter?
In your cover letter, you are expected to address the Director (Art and Culture).
Q8: Is this a state or central government scheme?
Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) is a state sponsored scheme which is fully funded and administered by Government of Manipur.
Q9: I am from another state; can I apply?
No, it is only permanent dwellers/domiciles of Manipur who can get it.
Q10: Where can I find the official guidelines and application form?
On the site of the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, you can find the link to the official guidelines of the scheme and the application form.