SHILLONG, OCT 21: The state government on Friday decided to introduce the ‘Meghalaya Art Award’ to preserve and promote the traditional skills linked to the state’s heritage.
Addressing newsmen after the cabinet meeting on Friday, chief minister Mukul Sangma said, “We have approved the proposal for coming up with the Meghalaya Art Award.”
He said that the award aims at acknowledging the contribution of the citizens of the state in the field of performing arts, craftsmanship and other related activities for preserving and promoting the heritage.
He said the state has century old skills which connect it with the past especially the artisan skills and other traditional skills linked to various craftsmanship.
Some of our people have been responsible and instrumental in preserving and promoting them otherwise such skills will have their own natural death, he said.
“Apart from this, the award is also to ensure that all such skills and knowledge which reflects our rich heritage are preserved and further promoted,” Sangma said.
He said that such individuals or groups will be identified and invited for being the recipient of the award.
Stating that guidelines have been framed in this regard, he said based on this, the exercise will be resorted by the department to have a separate new scheme in the name of Meghalaya Art Award Scheme .
In addition to this, the chief minister also informed that the Department of Arts and Culture will also have another scheme to extend grant in aid to such persons for ensuring that they continue with their skills.
“The grant in aid is not only to preserve but also upscale to ensure they become our assets and contribute for overall growth and prosperity of the state,” he added.
According to him, the new programme will be operational from current year.-By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours