Govt contemplating pension for traditional drummers

Hyderabad, Feb 21 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Government is considering providing old age pension to indigent 'Vayidya Kalakarulu' (traditional drummers) who have attained 65 years of age, Rural Development Minister D Srinivas told the Assembly today.

Replying to questions from Mr J Ranga Reddy and other CPI(M) members, he said the Culture Department was providing monthly financial assistance of Rs 500 to eligible artistes, including Vayidya Kalakarulu' and issued identity cards to 36,000 artistes.

There was no provision to give instruments to them on subsidy or constitute Cooperative Federation at the state and district levels for their welfare.

The Revenue Department was alloting house sites to the poor, including traditional drummers, who were below the poverty line.

Replying to another question from Mr G Chinna Reddy and other Congress members, Mr Srinivas said the government had decided to take up comprehensive restoration of one minor irrigation tank in each gram panchayat in the 13 districts where Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme was being implemented.

UNI