(a) whether the Government has identified the number of artists in Odisha who have been unemployed due to COVID-19;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes to introduce stimulus packages to assist artists of Odisha who have suffered financial loss due to COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)
(a) to (d): Covid-19 pandemic has affected various sections of the society including artists. Ministry of Culture is implementing various schemes viz., Financial assistance under Repertory Grant Scheme, Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Development of Buddhist/ Tibetan Art and Culture, Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme, Scheme of Scholarship & Fellowship for promotion of Art & Culture, Financial Assistance to Cultural Organizations with National Presence, Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Preservation & Development of Cultural Heritage of Himalayas, Scheme of Pension & Medical Aid to Artists, Financial assistance under Seva Bhoj Yojna and Financial Assistance for Cultural Activities in Performing Arts for Building Grants Including Studio Theatres.
Ministry of Culture ensured speedy and timely release of the grants under the above said schemes to help the artists who faced financial crisis and lost their means of livelihood.
Further, as per information received from Government of Odisha, there are about 1.5 lakh folk artists who have been identified and enrolled by the Government of Odisha under Artist Federation Scheme. Government of Odisha is also providing monthly financial assistance @ Rs. 1200/- per month to 35,000 numbers of artists of different categories under “Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana”. Government of Odisha has also organized many awareness programmes during COVID-19 to involve the artists to participate and earn their livelihood.
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