Artists sceptical of govt’s pension promise

GUWAHATI: The call for greater inclusion of artists who are living in penury, deprived of benefits and recognition, has grown shriller with the state government’s announcement of pension for artists.
On Monday, the Tarun Gogoi-government declared it would offer pension to artists who have made outstanding contribution to art and culture and special family pension for the indigent families of artists who would receive the artist pension but who have passed away.
Pension applications will be received by the director of cultural affairs, Rabindra Bhawan, till June 30.
Artists and exponents of culture on Tuesday rued that many of their colleagues, who made significant contribution to art and culture, died unsung. “We already have a pension scheme that is given out monthly and at one time. There are so many artists in Assam. We want to help those who have excelled in an art form,” said Bismita Gogoi, state culture minister.
The death of popular Bihu dholiya (drummer) Proshen Borah, who died in poverty on May 21, raised concerns about the state government’s ‘apathy’ towards impoverished artists. Borah's acquaintances and a few musicians appealed to the state government to help his family. Some musicians collected money for Borah’s last rites.
The artists complained that the state government is willing to help only noted or awarded artists. “There are so many exponents who are not getting the recognition they deserve. They are deprived of all benefits. It is the collective responsibility of the society to help them. We have not created an atmosphere conducive for artists,” said Dulal Roy, exponent of theatre and culture.
A few artists went so far as to say pension benefits are politically motivated and includes lobbying on different fronts. “I know many talented artists who have no money to buy a cell phone. I think such pension entitlement is politically-motivated,” said popular Bihu dholiya Ranjit Gogoi.