Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to the welfare of folk artistes, the Odisha government has decided to enhance the monthly financial assistance provided under the Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the decision while addressing the 48th state-level convention of ‘Pala’ artistes at Keonjhar on Sunday.
As per the revised provisions, folk artistes in the 40 to 80 years age group will now receive a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000, up from the earlier Rs 2,000, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement.
Similarly, the monthly assistance for artistes above 80 years of age has been increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500, the statement added.
Highlighting the role of traditional artistes in preserving Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, the CMO stated that folk artistes are instrumental in promoting and safeguarding the state’s cultural legacy. Keeping this in view, the government has enhanced the assistance to provide greater financial security and dignity to the artistes.
The hike in monthly assistance is expected to benefit 47,704 folk artistes and their families across Odisha, providing much-needed support to those dedicated to keeping the state’s traditional art forms alive.
