West Bengal to give Rs.750 stipend to 4,000 folk artists

Kolkata: The West Bengal government would provide monthly stipends of Rs.750 to nearly 4,000 folk artistes across the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said here Tuesday. The list of artistes would be finalised by the information and cultural affairs department. The services of these artistes will be used for advertising state government schemes through song, dance or instrumental music. They would be given additional fees for taking part in the publicity campaigns. The chief minister also announced a health insurance scheme with coverage of up to Rs.1.25 lakh for performing artistes and workers in the film studios. IANS