Bonanza for artists, state unveils new culture policy

Pradeep Sharma
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 23

The Haryana Government is all set to introduce social security, job quota, liberal financial assistance and a dedicated culture fund for state artists. It will also set up a directory of artists to promote the rich cultural heritage of the state.

These and several other artist-friendly decisions are part of the recently notified Culture Policy of Haryana. “The policy aims at creating an enabling environment to inspire people to respect and conserve their cultural specificities. It also aims at inculcating in them a sense of pride about their cultural past and present,” a notification issued by Dheera Khandelwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Art and Cultural Affairs Department, stated.

Under the new policy, popularly known as KALASH (Kala Avam Sanskriti Haryana Neeti), social security scheme for artists and their dependents has been planned.

Underscoring the need for public-private partnership, the policy stated, “The state shall make efforts to create and provide greater opportunities for public-private partnership in activities envisaged under the policy.”

Stressing the need for setting up a state culture fund, it said it would finance various activities proposed under the policy. The fund would receive money by way of grants and donations, including those from the private sector.

Liberal financial assistance to artists and cultural organisations for the promotion of different art forms is an integral part of the new policy. Besides, the establishment of the Lalit Kala Academy, Sangeet Natak Academy, Folk Dance Academy and Museum of Folk Music has been proposed under the new policy.

Eminent artists in the fields of dance, music, theatre, painting, sculpture, folk music, folk singing and folk dance will be conferred with various awards. These include Haryana Kala Praveen (up to 40 years), Haryana Kala Shree (40-55 years) and Haryana Kala Ratna (above 55 years).

An advisory council on culture will be set up to aid and advice the Haryana Government on matters relating art and culture.

What’s in store 

• Social security scheme for artists and their dependents
• Job quota for artists of repute
• Advisory council on culture
• Kala Praveen, Kala Shree and Kala Ratna awards for eminent artists
• Encyclopedia of Haryana culture and directory of artists
• Dedicated culture fund with the help of the private sector