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Sports & Culture; Social welfare & Empowerment

Scheme for Upliftment of Utsavi Rangabhumi of Goa

The “Scheme for Upliftment of Utsavi Rangabhumi of Goa” has been designed with the objective of encouraging the festival theatre of Goa which is known as “Gomantakiya Utsavi Rangabhumi”. This form of theatre has an illustrious tradition of presenting plays during festivals in the villages.

Authority

State

Region

Goa

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Nature and Quantum of Assistance | - Financial assistance for the production of prose play will be a maximum of ₹ 20,000/- or 75% of the actual cost, whichever is less. However, the same could be decided by the selection committee from time to time depending upon the type of the play. | - Financial assistance for the production of the Sangeet play will be a maximum of ₹ 30,000/- or 75% of the actual cost, whichever is less. However, the selection committee may suggest the quantum from time to time. | - The department may identify a few groups for providing directional support. In this case, fees of the directors and technical experts, including the duration of short-term production workshops will be decided by the Government from time to time. Undertaking in this regard from the concerned devasthan/traditional village institution/village committee shall be required to be submitted. | - The selection committee may recommend an amount of ₹ 3,000/- to the scriptwriter for his new script if desired, based on the quality of the play. | [NOTE: The village theatre groups could apply for financial assistance towards prose as well for sangeet natak. However, no group will get financial assistance for more than one play per year]

Who can apply

The applicant should be traditional village festive theatre groups/amateur theatre groups.; The group should have traditions of performing their plays during the village deity festival through devasthan or village institutions.; There has to be a tradition of performing the plays at least for 25 years.; The theatre group has to perform all the roles including that of the female in the drama from the same village. No professional artist will be allowed.; Traditional theatre group from the same village has to perform the play as the tradition may be and the devasthan or village committee may certify the same.; There should be a Bank Account of the group in the Nationalized/ Scheduled Bank in order to release payment.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the role of the Devasthan or village committee in certifying traditional theatre group performances?

The Devasthan or village committee certifies that the traditional theatre group performs the play in accordance with local traditions and customs.

Is there a limit to the number of plays a theatre group can receive financial assistance for in a year?

Yes, each theatre group can receive financial assistance for a maximum of one play per year.

What is the service standard for information approval and reimbursement under this scheme?

Information about the approval of the application is provided within 45 days from the date of submission, and reimbursement is released within 95 days from the date of application receipt.

Who can be contacted for more information about this scheme?

The designated officer for inquiries is ACO I at the Directorate of Art & Culture in Panaji, Goa. They can be reached at 0832-2404640 or through email at aco5-dac.goa@nic.in.

Are there any additional grants provided to scriptwriters?

Yes, scriptwriters may receive an amount of Rs. 3,000 for their new script, based on the quality of the play.

What is the maximum financial assistance provided for the production of sangeet plays?

The maximum financial assistance for the production of sangeet plays is Rs. 30,000 or 75% of the actual cost, whichever is less.

How often can theatre groups apply for financial assistance under this scheme?

Theatre groups can apply every year, but the selection is subject to the recommendation of the selection committee and the availability of funds.

Are professional artists allowed to participate in these plays?

No, professional artists are not allowed; all roles, including female roles, must be performed by members of the same village.

Is there a focus on encouraging female and child artists' participation in these plays?

Yes, the scheme encourages the participation of local female artists and child artists in these plays.

What specific types of plays does this scheme support?

The scheme supports both sangeet natak (musical plays) performances and prose plays, which are part of the festival theatre tradition in Goa.

Are there any measures in place to safeguard the authenticity of traditional village festive theatre?

Yes, the scheme requires that traditional theatre groups perform plays in accordance with local traditions, and certification from the Devasthan or village committee is necessary to maintain authenticity.