Odisha Govt Increases Remuneration Of Folk Artists

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced an increase in the remuneration for artists performing in awareness programmes organised by Information and Public Relations Department across Odisha.

The CM has directed the concerned authorities to raise the remuneration of those performing Daskathia, Pala, Ghoda Nacha and folk dances, and folk music.

The remuneration has been increased for folk artists, who give three performances for three hours in a day. The leader of the artists’ group will be paid Rs 1,000 per day while other members will be get Rs 800. In addition, the artists will be given Rs 300 each per day for their transportation and food.

According to the revised remuneration, a two-member ‘Daskathia’ will be paid a total sum of Rs 2,400 instead of Rs 200 per performance, while a team of six performing ‘Pala’ will get one-time payment of Rs 6,800 against the earlier remuneration of Rs 350 for one performance. An eight-member horse dance team will be given Rs 9,000 instead of Rs 350 per each artist for every performance. Similarly, 8-member team of folk dances and music will get Rs 9,000.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that this initiative will be very helpful in protecting folk art and promoting artists.