Haryana: 'Lekhak Kalyan Kosh' to help litterateurs

Chandigarh, Aug 19: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday, Aug 19 announced that a 'Lekhak Kalyan Kosh' would be set up with a seed money of Rs 10 lakh to help litterateurs of the state.

The Chief Minister announced this at the Sahityakar Samman Avm Puraskar Samaroh organised by Haryana Sahitya Akademi to honour outstanding litterateurs for the year 2007-08 and give away awards for outstanding books in Hindi and Haryanavi languages.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister assured all help of the state government for the promotion of literature and encourage the litterateurs.

The Chief Minister, who is also Chairman of Haryana Sahitya Akademi said that the Akademi had organised programmes in rural areas to motivate the people to take interest in literary activities. Also, the amount of various awards had been increased to encourage the litterateurs.

While responding to the suggestion made by noted critic Dr Namvar Singh, seeking more autonomy for the akademies of the state, Mr Hooda said that the state government would do its best to promote literature.

Earlier, the Chief Minister gave away awards to seven outstanding litterateurs for the year 2007-08.

The highest award, Haryana Sahitya Ratan Samman carrying Rs two lakh, a shawl and a memento was conferred upon Dr Sansar Chander, Maha Kavi Surdas Samman carrying Rs One lakh in cash, a shawl and a memento was conferred upon Dr Manmohan of Rohtak.

UNI