Sindh culture department: Stipend body sets aside Rs13m for 493 artists

KARACHI:

A total of Rs13.32 million will be disbursed to 493 artists, writers and poets as a one-time financial assistance by the Sindh culture department.

This year, the government allocated Rs16 million for monthly stipends and financial assistance. The department’s stipend committee met on Wednesday to discuss and approve applications.

The culture department director-general, Muhammad Ramzan Awan, said 410 artists were given stipends last year, each receiving Rs1,500 to Rs2,000 per month. If the artists have passed away, their family receive the payments, he added.

Many stipend applications were approved, while some that lacked verification, were left to be discussed at the next meeting.

It was also decided that one-time medical assistance would also be extended to artists because of the sudden increase in diseases. Nearly Rs11.97 million has been distributed in Nausheroferoze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Khairpur, Sanghar, Thatta, Dadu, Badin, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Tharparkar, Larkana and Hyderabad, while Rs1.35 million is left.

Members decided to promote cultural activities across the province by arranging memorable programmes and activities to encourage fresh talent.

PTV Karachi programme producer Sami Baloch, Sindhi Language Authority secretary Taj Joyo, and Radio Pakistan programme producer Khalil Channa attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2011.