Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced an increase in the monthly allowance provided to traditional folk artistes under Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana, supporting thousands of performers dedicated to preserving Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
Speaking at the 48th State-Level Pala Sammilani held in Keonjhar, the Chief Minister declared that artists aged between 40 and 80 years will now receive Rs 3,000 a month, up from the previous Rs 2,000. For those above 80 years, the allowance has been raised to Rs 3,500 from Rs 2,500.
This hike is expected to benefit over 47,000 registered artists across Odisha, many of whom specialise in Pala — a traditional folk art form that blends music, storytelling, poetry, and performance to narrate mythological tales and promote Odia language and culture.
In his address, Majhi emphasised the indispensable role of Pala in safeguarding and promoting the Odia language. “Pala has made an immense contribution to the protection and propagation of Odia,” he said, adding that the art form has kept Odia folk literature alive through generations of dedicated artistes.
The CM described Pala as a confluence of song, dance and impromptu poetry rooted deeply in Odisha’s spiritual and intellectual traditions. He also highlighted how Pala has historically served as a medium for social awareness, combating superstitions and inequalities while imparting lessons on truth, compassion, and ethics.
Majhi urged the younger generation pursuing higher education in Odia language and culture to conduct more research on this “great folk art,” expressing confidence that renewed interest among youth would further brighten its future.
During the event, the Chief Minister was honoured with the Odia Asmita Samman in recognition of his contributions to the state’s cultural identity.
The conference, organised by Maa Tarini Pala Kalakar Sangha, saw participation from prominent Pala singers and troupes from nearly all districts of Odisha.
