Rs1b endowment fund for artistes proposed

Data about artistes from across the country will be collected

ISLAMABAD: To support artistes and cater to their needs because of their fragile financial situation, an increase in the endowment fund from its current level of Rs250 million to Rs1 billion has been proposed.

The proposal was made during the 10th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Federal Government Artistes Welfare Fund. President Dr Arif Alvi presided over the meeting.

The meeting discussed various plans to help deserving and needy artistes of the country. The meeting noted that the existing sum of Rs250 million for the welfare of artistes was insufficient.

The meeting decided to collect comprehensive data of all artistes from across the country.

In this regard, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry was directed to prepare the list within a month.

The meeting also approved the disbursement of Rs10 million among the artistes who had requested for financial assistance.

It was further agreed to grant monetary support to the widow of an artist for a year after the death of her husband. The Steering Committee also ratified the investment of Rs200 million as seed money by the Cabinet Division in the National Bank of Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2020.