A felicitation and distribution of financial assistance under Chief Minster gi Artiste singi Tengbang (CMAT) to promote and encourage the artistes by providing financial aid was held in the presence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh at the Kangla Hall, Imphal on Wednesday.
At the occasion, N Biren said that the artistes of Manipur have made the presence of the state felt across the world, but they are left unnoticed when they are bedridden or unable to perform. To help the artistes, the present BJP-led government took the initiative of introducing the CMAT, he added.
CMAT gives financial assistance, including cash rewards for the artistes who had been contributing to promote the art and culture of Manipur, he said.
However, the present financial assistance given to the renowned artistes are small owing to the present condition of the state economy but the government is trying to increase the assistance in the future, he mentioned.
Manipuri film maker Romi Meitei who was one of the awardees said that human labour has been replaced by science and technology due to their advancement in the present society. However, the performances and contributions made by the artistes to the society can never be replaced by machines.
He appreciated the present government for launching CMAT and providing financial assistance including pension schemes for artistes.
Renowned folk musician and singer Rewben Mashangba appreciated the present Biren-led government for acknowledging the contribution of artistes. The financial assistance provided by the government will help a lot for artistes who can no longer perform or are bedridden.
Film Makers, theatre artistes, martial arts teachers and others were also given financial assistance during the function.
He also assured all possible assistance to the artistes of the state and said a society cannot have its identity without maintaining and preserving its culture and tradition.
Ministers Thongam Biswajit Singh, Yumnam Khemchand, Govindas Konthoujam, Nemcha Kipgen, Kashim Vashum, L Susindro Meitei, MP Rajya Sabha Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs attended the function as dignitaries.
