Maharashtra to double folk art grant to Rs 4.4 crore, simplify registration for Dashavatar artists

Mumbai, Jul 8 (PTI) The Maharashtra government on Wednesday said it will double the financial assistance for folk art troupes from Rs 2.22 crore to Rs 4.40 crore and simplify the registration process for 'Dashavatar' artists following concerns raised in the assembly over delays in implementing welfare measures. Dashavatar is a traditional folk dance and theatre form primarily practised in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The dance-dramas are mostly performed at night during village temple festivals. Traditionally, performers are local residents who are almost exclusively male, with men playing the female roles. Raising the issue during a discussion through calling attention notice, BJP MLA Nilesh Rane, who hails from coastal Sindhudurg district, said a meeting held on May 26, 2025, discussed identity cards, financial assistance and other welfare measures for Dashavatar artists, but even after a year, most of the decisions had not been implemented. He alleged that despite promises, a government resolution (GR) had not been issued, the proposed committee was yet to be constituted, and artists were yet to receive identity cards, preventing them from accessing various government welfare schemes. Rane criticised the department for asking artists, many of whom live in villages, to register through online method. Instead, he urged officials to visit districts and conduct registrations in person, saying thousands of traditional artists were unable to complete the online process. He also expressed concern that Dashavatar, a centuries-old folk theatre tradition, had not received adequate recognition from the state. While Lavani artists were honoured through festivals and state awards, no Dashavatar artist had received similar recognition, he said. Replying to the discussion, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said the government had already taken decisions following the August 12, 2025 meeting, and constituted a committee to recommend measures for Dashavatar and other folk art troupes. The minister said the government had decided to increase the allocation for folk art schemes from Rs 2.22 crore to Rs 4.40 crore so that more Dashavatar troupes could receive financial assistance. He said eligible troupes currently receive capital grants, while assistance of Rs 15,000 per performance is available for up to 20 performances, amounting to Rs 3 lakh per troupe. Shelar also said district-level officials would visit districts within a month to facilitate registration of artists instead of relying solely on online method. He further announced that the government would issue necessary instructions to ensure that Dashavatar artists are considered for state cultural awards, including the State Cultural Award carrying a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh and the State Cultural Gaurav Award carrying Rs 1 lakh. The government would also examine the implementation of earlier government resolutions and take action if any lapses were found, he added. PTI MR NP