Friday, 05 JULY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Culture department recently declared the results of the auditions that were held in March to select folk artists across the State. According to officials, the auditions were organised from March 12 to 14, with approximately 250 individual folk artists and 20 groups participating. However, the announcement of the results was delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The department has now declared the results, with 13 individual folk singers selected in the A- grade category, 82 in the B-grade category and nine out of 20 folk artist groups selected. Selected candidates and groups have been sent their selection letters by the department.
Commenting about the selected folk artists salary, the officials have informed that the selected A-grade folk artists receive Rs 7,000 per programme, while B-grade folk artists are given Rs 4,000 per programme. Further, the group leader of the folk artists receives Rs 1,000 per programme, whereas the other artists in the group receive Rs 800 per programme. Apart from this, travel expenses will also be given by the department to the individual folk artists as well as the groups.
It will be recalled that the audition was organised in the month of March. During the auditions, the selection of folk artists is carried out by an independent committee comprising one official from Akashwani (AIR) and two lecturers with extensive knowledge of folk culture. Earlier, department director Beena Bhatt informed that these auditions aim to identify talented folk artists from across the state and offer them a platform to showcase their abilities. The Culture department conducts auditions every four to five months to promote new talent and represent the state’s rich culture. Additionally, in the year 2023, the department organised an audition wherein 16 folk singers were selected.
