Maharashtra to scale back big events amid drought, hold taluka-level shows for folk artists
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said large functions and festivals will be cut so folk artists get work and pay, and Rs 25 crore will go to reviving stepwells.
Mumbai: The drought in Maharashtra is severe. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said farmers, students and animals, along with folk artists, should not be made to suffer in such conditions. To help folk artists who keep the state's culture alive, large functions and festivals in the state will be scaled back.
According to Shelar, instructions have been issued to organise programmes at the taluka level so that folk artists get as many opportunities as possible and are paid for their work.
Speaking to the media in Mumbai, Shelar said thousands of programmes are held every year through the Directorate of Cultural Affairs. This year only essential programmes will be held. Some will be postponed to next year.
The Rs 25 crore fund set aside for these programmes will be given to the Archaeology Department through the Directorate of Cultural Affairs. The money will be spent on conserving stepwells. He also said instructions have been given to plan water management through stepwell conservation.
Shelar was also asked about the use of tankers for cleaning in Mumbai. He said, "I have no information on this. The Mumbai municipal corporation will give a clarification. But there should be no wasteful expenditure. There will be no such expenditure. Cleaning the roads is necessary."
Shelar also commented on the rally by the INDIA bloc. He said, "The opposition is holding rallies for political ends. Their stance of keeping genuine voters out is evident. Their stand is not clear. Let them tell us how many BLAs they have appointed. They do not attend the Election Commission's meetings. This can be called 'horses after the wedding procession'."
A rally was also held on behalf of tribal students. Responding to this, Shelar said the government stands with tribal students and efforts to resolve their problems are continuing. He asked why they were kept locked in the Congress office, and said Congress spokespersons should answer that.
