New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS): In an attempt to encourage young and upcoming writers and artists, President Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday launched the In-Residence programme on the occasion of his birthday.

Open to all Indian nationals, the programme provides artists and writers an opportunity to stay in Rashtrapati Bhavan for a month and be a part of its life.

The programme intends to encourage writers, artists and innovation scholars by facilitating them to stay close to nature in the serene surroundings of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"The In-Residence programme will help provide a conducive atmosphere for creative minds to reflect and think. It will help upcoming writers and artists expand their creative talents," said Mukherjee.

He said he hopes the programme would help contribute to the aesthetic as well as social benefit, through art and culture.

The scheme aims at providing an environment which would inspire creative thinking and rejuvenate artistic impulses.

Various activities like reading sessions, art exhibitions and interaction with the residents of Rashtrapati Bhavan would be organised in consultation with the selected writers/artists under the scheme.

"It would also help provide innovators with necessary linkages to institutions so as to nurture and support their innovative ideas," Mukherjee said.

Persons with an established track record in the field of art and literature are eligible to apply. Preference would be given to writers/artists who have won national/state awards. A maximum of four writers/artists would be selected under this scheme every year.

Under the new scheme, four such talents would be invited to stay in Rashtrapati Bhavan for a month. They would be provided an environment to work on projects in hand or take innovative ideas forward.

They will also be assisted in establishing linkages with relevant institutions and provided mentoring and support.

Full details of the In-Residence programme and application format is available on http://presidentofindia.nic.in. The last date for the applications is Jan 15, 2014.

Mukherjee also kicked off a scheme to issue Smart ID cards to the residents of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The identification cards are an e-governance initiative. The cards will contain biometric information and will enable easy identification of residents without compromising on security.