Ch'nagar to host state-level folk artistes' convention from Jan 8

Addressing a news conference on Sunday, vice-president of the Okkuta, M K Siddaraju said that more than 3,000 artistes from across the State were expected to participate in the two-day convention.

The meet would discuss various rights and issues related to folklore and folk artistes. The convention would pass resolutions seeking fulfilment of various demands of artistes, he remarked.

The demands of the federation include giving importance to folk artistes in national and international events like Mysore Dasara, Hampi Utsava, Kanakagiri Utsava, Badami Utsava and others.

The artistes should be extended benefits of Ashraya housing scheme, free bus pass, health insurance. Government was providing monthly pension for artistes aged above 60 years. The age limit should be reduced to 50 years.

It should unveil a cultural policy, where the Government could give a chance to reputed folk artistes and experts to work as faculty with the Folklore University.

The forum thanked the Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa for announcing establishing of a folklore university and wanted it to be in Chamarajanagar. He urged the enhancement of remuneration being given to folk artistes to attend various festivals to atleast Rs 30,000 per troupe.

On the occasion, the forum released the poster for the state-level convention. Jogila Siddaraju, C M Narasimha Murthy and others were present.