New Delhi: A Parliamentary panel has recommended increase of monthly financial assistance to Rs 5,000 from Rs 2,000 to renowned artistes living in indigent condition.
The Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions headed by senior
BJP member M Venkaiah Naidu said in its report that a
recommendation to this effect was made taking into account the
rise in cost of living and depreciation of the rupee.
Rejecting the contention of the Ministry of Culture
that the Working Group had proposed enhancement to Rs 3,000
per month, the Committee said that since the total number of
artistes receiving financial assistance from the Centre was
less than 2000, the financial burden would not be too high.
It, therefore, reiterated its recommendation advocating
financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month to the veteran
artistes living in indigent condition.
The Committee also considered issuing complimentary
passes to those persons who have spent the prime of their
lives for propagation and preservation of different forms of
arts including folk art and culture.
It, however, felt that some restrictions could be
considered in terms of kilometers or trips to reduce the
financial implication.
Bureau Report
