Jharkhand artistes demand state support: Insurance, job reservation, and cultural policy

Ranchi: Voices from across Jharkhand’s cultural spectrum became louder at the state-level artistes’ conclave here on Tuesday for state-backed insurance, job reservation and a comprehensive cultural policy.

Stating that their contributions to society remain undervalued, the artistes and cultural leaders present on the occasion pressed the govt to secure their future with concrete measures.Speaking on the occasion, former minister Bandhu Tirkey said, “Artistes are the ones who have shaped Jharkhand’s identity through music, dance and culture. Yet, many live without health cover or financial security. If other states can provide insurance and job benefits to their artists, why should Jharkhand lag?”Tirkey also said a book documenting the life stories of Jharkhand’s successful artistes is being prepared to make the public know more about them.

The idea, he explained, is to ensure that the public is well informed about the struggles and achievements of those who carried the state’s cultural legacy forward. “This book will be submitted to the govt so that future generations can learn how our artists have kept traditions alive despite hardships,” he added.State agriculture minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey acknowledged the concerns and noted that the cabinet recently cleared academies for fine arts, theatre and literature. “The future belongs to Jharkhand’s artistes. The govt stands with them, but they too must learn to market their craft in today’s globalised world,” she said.The organisers of the event said a larger cultural congregation would be held at the Morabadi ground in December, where thousands of artistes were expected to participate and present their demands before chief minister Hemant Soren.