Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today included 30,000 more artistes as beneficiaries in the Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana of Odia Language, Literature and Culture department.

Several artistes and their organisations had previously requested and proposed the inclusion of more beneficiaries in the assistance scheme during the visit of 5T Chairman to Odisha districts. With this announcement, the total number of artistes reached 80,000, Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.

Under this scheme, 50,000 beneficiary artistes are being assisted at Rs 1,200 per month.

“Our folk arts are the identities of our nation and artistes are the propagandists and communicators of language, literature, and culture. Artistes belonging to different parts of Odisha will now be benefited and encouraged due to the inclusion of more beneficiaries in this scheme. This will help preserve, develop, promote, and spread our art and enrich the art and culture of the State,” the CM stated.