Himalaya artists meet CM to seek welfare

The delegates of State-level Himalaya Artiste Welfare  Committee met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat  on Monday and put the demands for the welfare of the artistes working in the state.The Chief Minister assured them that his Government would take possible steps for the welfare of the artistes. The Committee’s  organisational secretary from Pauri Yogembar Poli said after the meeting was over the delegates had also met Uttarakhand cultural director Beena Bhatt. Bhatt informed the delegates that the State cultural department has taken a slew of steps for the artistes.

The process has been in progress for the increase of remuneration of state artistes according the norms of zone culture centre. The welfare fund of Rs5 crore has been set up and Rs3 crore has been deposited in the artistes’ welfare fund. Bhatt stressed that the benefit of this culture fund would go to the artistes who are registered with the cultural department and such artistes would be given financial assistance in case of accidents, illness and house damage by natural calamities. The artistes of this category will be provided with health smart cards.