GUWAHATI: In the run up to the Assam Assembly Elections, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's office shared a list of steps taken by the state government in the past few months to help artistes and theatre technicians who have to go through tough times during the Covid-19 lockdown. In a tweet, the CM's office talked about how the Chief Minister has striven to honour the artistes of Assam's rich traditions.
The state government has been financing a 'Silpi Pension' of 8000 rupees per month to 125 artistes. The government has also provided a one-time ex-gratia grant of 50,000 rupees to 95 artistes, along with a family pension of 4000 rupees per month to 12 beneficiaries. The state government has also provided a one-time special financial assistance of 50,000 rupees to 20 families of deceased artists. Further, 1000 artists and technicians of mobile theatres have been provided a one-time grant of 50,000 rupees. Under the 'Silpi Sambardhana' scheme, 1000 artists have been provided with 50,000 rupees.
The tweet said, "From Sattriya to Mobile Theater, Assam's rich cultural tradition is one of India's most precious treasures. Here's some steps taken by the CM @sarbanandsonwal led Govt to honour the Silpis, who give shape to these art forms."
The schemes for providing financial assistance to the artistes and technicians was first announced in December 2019.
Along with the 'Silpi Sambardhana' scheme, the state government launched another policy called 'Bhramyaman Theatre Silpi Aur Kala-Kushali Achoni'. Both these schemes have reportedly covered over two thousand artists and technicians in the state.
These financial assistance schemes were announced and implemented in the hopes of encouraging the artistes and technicians who are engaged in the various traditional theatre forms of Assam and contribute greatly to the rich cultural tapestry of the state.
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