By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, January 15, 2018: The Odisha government has announced to provide monthly allowance of Rs 1200 to as many as 50,000 artists of the state.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik made this announcement after a meeting held on Monday here to review the various decisions made at a cabinet meeting held at Puri.

“Art and Culture is the other identity of Odisha. The artists have brought laurels to the state through their creativity. The state government has taken such a deicision to keep the commitments and dedication of artists in mind. This will be ahistorical step to preserve the state’s art and culture”, Patnaik said.

Under the new scheme – ‘Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojna’, the eligible artists will get a monthly allowance of Rs 1,200. Earlier, the allowance was provided to only 4,000 artists.

Patnaik also announced about relaxation of age criteria for availing benefits under the scheme. The age limit for male and female artists to get the allowance has been reduced from 60 years and 50 years to 50 and 40 years, respectively.

It has also been decided to decentralize the allowance granting process as the district administrations will be entrusted with the work.