January 11, 2019
One-time grant to jatra artistes increased to Rs 15,000: CM
The 23rd Jatra Utsav, organised by the Bangla Government, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today. From the same stage, she handed over benefits under various schemes to beneficiaries.
The festival was inaugurated from a purpose-built stage at Kachari Maidan in Barasat, with the lighting of lamps and the chimes of bells.
For two days, jatras would be staged on this temporary stage. Subsequently, the festival would move to Baghbazar for a month of the best that modern jatra has to offer.
Highlights of the Chief Minister’s speech:
Jatra legends like Makhanlal Natta beautifully depicted the quaint life of rural Bengal in their productions.
Jatra is still famous in the rural heartland of Bengal. People watch jatra pala with fervour and excitement.
I want Jatra artistes to live with dignity. We extend financial assistance to them. We are increasing the one-time grant to Jatra artistes from Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000.
I would urge Jatra artistes to stage more productions depicting the modern life, successful projects like Kanyashree or Sabooj Sathi.
