Govt Increases Folk Artistes’ Remuneration

Bhubaneswar: In a significant development towards encouragement of various types of folk arts in the state, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced major hike in the remuneration of folk artists. According to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office, CM Naveen Patnaik has announced an increase in the remuneration for folk artists who are performing for awareness programs organized by the Department of Information and Public Relations to promote artists. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed the authorities to increase the remuneration for various folk arts like Daskathia, Pala, Ghoda Nacha and other forms of folk dance and folk music.Accordingly, an increased remuneration has been announced for the folk artists for performing 3 performances of 3 hours in one day. The team leader will be paid Rs 1000 per day and other members will be paid Rs 800 per day. In addition, artists will be given Rs 300 per person per day for transportation and food. According to the new remuneration, the Daskathia artists who were getting Rs 200 per program earlier will now be given Rs 2400 for a team of two members per program. Likewise, a team of six Pala performers will now be given Rs 6800 per program which was Rs 350 per artist earlier. For Ghodanacha, a team of eight performers will now be given Rs 9000 per program instead of the earlier Rs 350 per performer. Similarly, a team of eight members performing folk dance or folk song will now be given Rs 9000 instead of the earlier Rs 400 per performer. Chief Minister has expressed hope that this initiative will be very helpful in protecting folk art and promoting the artists. It is worth mentioning here that the Information and Public Relations Department has been promoting various ICE programs through folk arts for the successful implementation of various schemes of the government. The state government has also taken many progressive steps for the propagation of folk arts in the state. Since 2009, artists’ associations have been formed from block to district and state level. Folk art programs are being organized and promoted by the State Information and Public Relations Department, Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department and other departments.

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