153 more Bihar artists to get monthly pension

Patna: The state art and culture department on Thursday approved pension proposals for 153 new artists under the Mukhyamantri Kalakar Pension Yojana, taking the total number of beneficiaries in Bihar to 411. With the latest approval, the newly selected artists will start receiving a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 from May, officials said.

The scheme, cleared by the state cabinet in July last year, aims to provide financial support to artists who have made notable contributions in the field of art and culture. It covers a wide range of practitioners, including folk artists, theatre performers, singers, instrumentalists and those associated with traditional art forms.

Department minister Pramod Kumar said the govt is committed to ensuring financial security and dignity for artists. “Efforts are being made to ensure timely disbursal of benefits and to enhance transparency in the implementation of the scheme. The department is working to make the scheme more accessible so that artists from remote areas can also avail of its benefits,” Kumar said.

He noted that artists have played a vital role in preserving Bihar’s rich cultural and folk traditions, and reiterated the government’s commitment to recognising and supporting their contributions.