One crore artistes registered under government project

New Delhi: Culture minister Mahesh Sharma on Wednesday stated that over one crore artistes across the country have registered themselves under a project for culture mapping launched by the government across the country at an estimated cost of Rs 480 crore.

Mr Sharma informed the Rajya Sabha that over one crore persons have registered under the scheme and there were expectations that the number could go upto four crore.

He also gave details as per which 3,882 artistes are being given pension by the government.

This pension has also been raised by the government by 69 per cent. “We have launched a scheme with Rs 480 crore for cultural mapping of artistes living in 6.2 lakh villages in the country and how to protect them. We will put all their details on a portal,” he said.

The Union culture minister said there has been a 110 per cent increase in financial assistance to artistes through various scholarships and pensions in the country.

The Union minister said the government was not providing scolarships and other financial grants to the artistes on the basis of their states but on an individual level after they appear before a committee to get the scholarships.