The chief minister of Maharashtra Mr. Prithviraj Chavan recently said that the government is planning to introduce an insurance scheme for women folk artistes to bring them at par with their male counterparts.
Speaking at the inauguration of All India Women Folk Artistes convention in Mumbai, he said, “Women artistes have always been relegated to the background. The state government will try to accord appropriate status to the artistes.â€
Artistes from Rajasthan, Tripura and Chhatisgarh are attending the two-day convention.“Folk art has unique importance in the state’s culture scene and the male artist has always got prominent positionâ€, he added.
He also said the government will try to provide grant to Lok Kala Academy in the Mumbai University.
Furthermore, he said the government will also try to complete the memorial of noted folk artiste Vithabai Narayangaonkar at her native Narayangaon. The government will also try to provide plot for housing of women folk artistes in Navi Mumbai after the court decision on government’s land allotment policy which has currently been stayed by the court.
He also said that noting that folk art and entertainment were source of employment opportunities. Attempts would be made to open auditoriums at taluka level.
