(a) whether the Government has formulated any scheme to provide financial assistance to artists who are facing financial hardship;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the number of artists provided financial assistance under this scheme during each of the last three years?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND CULTURE (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)
(a) to (c): Prasar Bharati has a scheme for granting financial assistance to distinguished artists who have rendered distinguished services through Prasar Bharati and are in indigent circumstances. 26 artists have been provided financial assistance under this scheme during the last three years.