Old artistes in Telangana State, who are facing financial problems, may get some reprieve as Telangana Government has agreed to extend pension of Rs 1500 every month. This time, 1200 old artistes, who are genuine, are all set to get the pension benefit through a process by district administration by the supervision of Collectors.
Right now, the State government was extending pension to 2048 old artistes to their personal bank accounts from September 2014 and 1200 more such artistes will get this facility soon. The TRS government today directed the Collectors of all districts to ascertain the old artistes in need of the pensions. Language and Cultural department of Telangana State issued orders to the districts in this regard.
In the guidelines issued, the officials said the applications from the artistes, with 58 years of age, will be accepted till February 10 and forward to the Cultural department for scrutiny by February 29. While Minister concerned will head the committee at State-level, district Collector will do so with DPRO being convener and other officials as members. (NSS)