Battered By Covid Crisis, Melody Artistes In Odisha Plead For Financial Aid From Govt

Cuttack: Odisha Melody Association on Wednesday urged the State government to extend financial assistance to artistes engaged in the profession to ride out the crisis that has arisen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The association members alleged that the artistes have remained jobless for the last eight months since the outbreak of the pandemic and are now even unable to meet their daily expenses.

According to the association, the period from September to January is regarded as the peak time for their income, but the government has not given permission for cultural programmes so far.

As the government is easing restrictions in different sectors, the association has demanded the government to look into their plights as well.

“We had earlier appealed to the government to extend financial support to artistes, but they have not received any support so far,” said former president of Odisha Melody Association.

“Markets and other economic activities have begun in Odisha. In other states, melody shows have already started by following social distancing norms, but it is yet to resume in our State. If the government looks into the matter at the earliest, it will immensely benefit the artistes,” said playback singer Human Sagar.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)

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