The Directorate of Culture in Uttar Pradesh has announced a scheme called 'Lok Kalakar Vadya Yantra Kraya Yojana', in an attempt to provide monetary aid to folk artists. Under this initiative, folk musicians will be given financial support for purchasing musical instruments. A sum of ₹ 1 crore has been allotted to help the artists who have been hit hard by the pandemic and each eligible individual will be benefitted with a fund of up to ₹20,000.
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As per the information given by the Director of Culture Department, artists with a yearly income below ₹ 1.2 lakh will be eligible for the benefits under this scheme. In addition to this, the artist must have attained the age of 35 and he/she must have a registration in the e-directory of the Directorate of Culture. The eligible recipients will be chosen by a group of 3 officials, including a teacher from Bhatkhande University and two authorities from the Directorate of Culture.
Further, the Director said, "The idea is to help the maximum number of folk artists who are over 35 years of age. The artists can apply for monetary help for the purchase of instruments by filling a form. This scheme is expected to help a number of artists who are unable to purchase expensive instruments."
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The official said, "They are not able to get programmes hence have lost their earning and many of them want to purchase new folk instruments but are short of funds. This scheme will help them purchase instruments and revive their livelihood."
Under this project, the state government will provide funds for the purchase of flute, chikara, nakkara, ektara, dholki, naal, tabla, alghoza, dhaad, dotara, duggi, dhol, manjhira, nagada, pena, pipa, pipri and other similar instruments. It is noteworthy that the artists will have to submit a receipt of the purchased instrument. Besides, a written declaration stating that the product was bought with the money sanctioned to them by the department will also be required.
A land of exceptional heritage and traditions, Uttar Pradesh encapsulates a magnificent legacy of arts and culture. With the advent of modern times, folk artists are finding it difficult to make it to the centre stage. Now, the UP government is trying to preserve and boost the presence of local arts with its latest initiative.
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