VIJAYAWADA: Ensuring that artistes receive due recognition and support, the State government has taken a step forward and has been distributing identity cards to the artistes after bifurcation, said Minister for Tourism RK Roja.
The minister distributed identity cards to the eligible artistes at a programme organised by the Department of Language and Culture at Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Saturday. The event was presided by Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnuvardhan.
Conveying satisfaction over being part of the programme, Roja underscored the State government’s dedication for the welfare of the artistes, particularly those involved in cultural celebrations.
She acknowledged the challenges being faced by artists due to the absence of accurate data and credited Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for his unwavering support. Roja, herself an artiste, spoke about her commitment to addressing the concerns of fellow artists since assuming office.
Highlighting the government’s implementation of Navaratnalu schemes for artists, the tourism minister encouraged the artistes to actively apply for identity cards through village/ward secretariats and volunteers.
AP State Creativity and Culture Commission creative head L Jogi Naidu expressed gratitude on behalf of all artistes, recognising the historic nature of providing identity cards.
City Mayor Rayana Bhagyalakshmi, State Creativity and Culture Commission chairperson Vangapandu Usha, Visual Arts Academy chairperson K Satya Shailaja, Sahitya Academy chairperson Srilakshmi, Sangeetha Nritya Academy chairperson P Sirisha, Science & Technology Academy chairperson T Prabhavati, and Language Authority members Mastanamma and State Culture Department CEO Mallikharghuna Rao were present.