Odisha Govt Increases Monthly Financial Aid for Artists Under Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at supporting the artistic community, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has greenlit a proposal to increase the monthly financial assistance provided to artists in the state. Under the state government’s Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana, the monthly assistance for artists will witness a substantial rise, increasing from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000.

Additionally, in a gesture acknowledging the seniority and contribution of veteran artists, those aged above 80 years will receive an enhanced assistance of Rs 2,500 under the scheme. This decision is poised to benefit approximately 30,000 more artists across Odisha, supplementing the existing 50,000 beneficiaries. The government aims to extend this support to a total of 80,000 artists in the state.

Scheduled for implementation from February, the scheme ensures timely disbursement of allowances, with funds slated to be deposited directly into the bank accounts of eligible artists between February 20 and 25, as confirmed by a statement from the CM’s Office.

This development follows persistent appeals from artists, who had raised the issue of increasing their monthly allowance during interactions with the 5T chairman across various districts. Subsequently, upon receiving the formal proposal, the CM accorded his approval on Wednesday, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting the vibrant artistic community of Odisha.