The Odisha government has introduced the Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana (MMKSY) to provide support to local artists. Under this initiative, eligible artists receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 1200. The program is open to male artists aged 50 and above, and female artists aged 40 and above. This scheme is set to benefit approximately 50,000 artists throughout the state.
MMKSY plays a vital role in preserving the state's cultural identity and heritage. To expand reach, the government lowered the eligibility age from 60 to 50 for men and from 50 to 40 for women. Furthermore, the monthly allowance was raised from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1200, and the total number of beneficiaries was increased significantly from 4,000 to 50,000.
The Odisha government has entrusted the District Cultural Councils with the responsibility of identifying eligible candidates. These councils are tasked with selecting beneficiaries from every district. The official launch and announcement of this welfare scheme took place on January 15, 2018.
Key Features of Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana (MMSKY)
The primary highlights and benefits of this financial assistance scheme for artists include:
- The MMKSY scheme provides a monthly allowance of Rs. 1200, an increase from the previous amount of Rs. 1000.
- The state government has expanded the reach of this program to cover 50,000 artists, a major upgrade from the original 4,000 beneficiaries.
- Eligibility age requirements have been relaxed to 50 years for men and 40 years for women, compared to the previous thresholds of 60 and 50 years respectively.
- Responsibility for selecting beneficiaries has been shifted from the cultural department to the District Cultural Councils.
- The scheme ensures streamlined identification of talented artists across all districts of Odisha.
This initiative represents a landmark effort by the state government to support the artistic community, who are essential for maintaining the vibrant culture and traditions of the region.
Budget Allocation for Mukhyamantri Kalakara Sahayata Yojana
The budget states, "Rs. 135 crore has been allocated for the advancement of Odia language, culture, and heritage. This includes Rs. 51 crore specifically for the Mukhyamantri Kalakara Sahayata Yojana and Rs. 8 crore dedicated to the conservation and protection of historical monuments and sites that represent our state's cultural legacy."