‘Vacancies to be plugged’
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IMPHAL, Mar 11 : Art & Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken has assured to plug staff vacancies in the Art & Culture Department after discussion with the Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, secure the rights of artistes and give them their due benefits.
Loken made the statement in response to a cut motion moved by Wangkhem Assembly Constituency MLA K Meghachandra on Demand No 41 of Art & Culture Department.
Addressing the House, Kh Loken asserted that the livelihood of the artiste community was severely impacted by the Manipur conflict which erupted on May 3, 2023.
Under Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT), pension benefits have been extended to 891 artistes since 2020 and the Government is aiming to expand this number to 1000 beneficiaries.
The travel fares for artistes participating in National and international festivals are covered under the CMAT scheme. The Government has also consistently provided training, funds for equipment purchase and grants to artistes, he added. Commenting on the issue of staff shortage in the Department, he assured to fill the vacant posts after consulting the Chief Minister. All efforts will be made to tackle the shortcomings in the Department which have remained unaddressed due to the conflict.
Offering words of encouragement to the artiste community, he assured to address their grievances, including providing due benefits to artistes who have been deprived of them and safeguarding their rights.
On another note, he said during an inspection visit, he found the Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou overgrown with weeds "like a jungle" due to staff shortage.
The Park will be renovated after discussion with the Chief Minister, he said.
Meanwhile, raising the cut motion, MLA K Meghachandra stated that the Art & Culture Department had failed to give awards, recognition and incentives to artistes.
Criticizing the budgetary allocation of just over Rs 50 crore to the Department, he pointed out that after taking away employees salary and maintenance costs, the remaining amount will not be enough to promote the art and culture of Manipur. He demanded an additional package beyond the budget allocation amount to further uplift the Department.
Highlighting the shortage of staff in the Art & Culture Department, he urged the Government to plug the vacancies to facilitate smooth and efficient functioning of the Department.
Loken made the statement in response to a cut motion moved by Wangkhem Assembly Constituency MLA K Meghachandra on Demand No 41 of Art & Culture Department.
Addressing the House, Kh Loken asserted that the livelihood of the artiste community was severely impacted by the Manipur conflict which erupted on May 3, 2023.
Under Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT), pension benefits have been extended to 891 artistes since 2020 and the Government is aiming to expand this number to 1000 beneficiaries.
The travel fares for artistes participating in National and international festivals are covered under the CMAT scheme. The Government has also consistently provided training, funds for equipment purchase and grants to artistes, he added. Commenting on the issue of staff shortage in the Department, he assured to fill the vacant posts after consulting the Chief Minister. All efforts will be made to tackle the shortcomings in the Department which have remained unaddressed due to the conflict.
Offering words of encouragement to the artiste community, he assured to address their grievances, including providing due benefits to artistes who have been deprived of them and safeguarding their rights.
On another note, he said during an inspection visit, he found the Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou overgrown with weeds "like a jungle" due to staff shortage.
The Park will be renovated after discussion with the Chief Minister, he said.
Meanwhile, raising the cut motion, MLA K Meghachandra stated that the Art & Culture Department had failed to give awards, recognition and incentives to artistes.
Criticizing the budgetary allocation of just over Rs 50 crore to the Department, he pointed out that after taking away employees salary and maintenance costs, the remaining amount will not be enough to promote the art and culture of Manipur. He demanded an additional package beyond the budget allocation amount to further uplift the Department.
Highlighting the shortage of staff in the Art & Culture Department, he urged the Government to plug the vacancies to facilitate smooth and efficient functioning of the Department.