Odisha govt. has launched Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana (MMKSY) for artists. Subsequently, artists will receive a financial assistance of Rs. 1200 per month. Under this scheme, male artists with minimum 50 years of age and female artists with minimum 40 years of age can avail the financial assistance under this scheme. This scheme will benefit around 50,000 artists across the state.
MMKSY is essential to keep culture and heritage intact. Accordingly, state govt. lifts previous age limits of 60 years for men and 50 years for women artists. Moreover the assistance amount has been increased from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1200 p.m. In addition to this, state govt. will now provide allowance to 50000 beneficiaries as compared to 4,000 previously.
Odisha govt. has assigned the responsibility of identification of beneficiaries to the District Cultural Councils. This council will select the beneficiaries from all districts for MMKSY. Odisha govt. has made an announcement and launched this scheme earlier on 15 January 2018.
Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana (MMSKY) – Features
The important features and highlights of this Artist Allowance Scheme are as follows:-
- MMKSY scheme will provide Rs. 1200 p.m allowance to artists. Earlier, the artist allowance amount was Rs. 1000 p.m
- Subsequently, the state govt. will give this allowance amount to 50,000 artists across various districts across the state. Previously, govt. was providing allowance to only 4000 artists.
- Accordingly, Male artists with 50 years and female artists with 40 years of age will get this allowance. Previously, the age limit for male artists was 60 years and for female was 50 years.
- Moreover under this new scheme for artists, district cultural council will identify the beneficiaries. Previously, cultural department was given the authority for identification of artists.
- Furthermore, MMKSY will facilitate the identification of artists from all districts.
This scheme is a historic move of the state govt. for the welfare of artists. Artists form a very important part of the society and helps to keep the culture and our heritage intact.
Budget Allocation for Mukhyamantri Kalakara Sahayata Yojana
The budget statement reads “Rs. 135 crore for the promotion of Odia Language, Culture, and Heritage, which includes Rs. 51 crore for Mukhyamantri Kalakara Sahayata Yojana and Rs. 8 crore for preservation, conservation and protection of
monuments and sites which reflect the rich cultural heritage of our state.”