PIB News Update: Minister of State (I/c) of Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel has informed that The Government is implementing a Scheme namely “Scheme for Pension and Medical Aid to Artistes” to improve financial and socio-economic status of the old aged artistes and scholars including various Folk Artists who have contributed significantly in their specialized fields of arts, letters etc., but leading a miserable life or are in penury condition. An amount of maximum Rs. 4000/- per month is being given to each beneficiary, out of which minimum Rs. 500/- financial assistance from State/UT Govt. is included. In case of death of a beneficiary, the financial assistance may be transferred, in the name of the spouse of the beneficiary till life if such request is received in the Ministry from the spouse along with the requisite documents within the period of six months from the date of death of the beneficiary artiste.
The total number of Artists received Pension and Medical Aid by the government during the last three years/state wise including Andhra Pradesh are given at Annexure. He also informed that The drama artists are also covered under the Scheme.