Rajasthan arts budget lapsed again due to inactivity

The budget for promoting arts in Rajasthan has lapsed for the second year in a row. This happened because the Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi has not been active for 17 months. Binaka Jesh Maloo, the former chairperson of the akademi, called this situation shameful. She noted that the akademi has been struggling since the BJP government took over. Maloo highlighted previous achievements, saying that in 18 months, they organized over 600 events, benefiting more than 30,000 artists. Now, she said, most programs have stopped. Only two events have taken place, with help from local cultural centers. She criticized the government, claiming that despite Diya Kumari being in charge of arts and finance, there were no budget provisions for culture this year. Maloo explained that there are no staff members or a regular secretary to address artists’ concerns. Many previously successful programs and schemes have been halted. One such scheme, called the ‘Mukhya Mantri Lok Kalakar Protsahan,’ which aimed to provide employment for artists, has also been discontinued. Financial support for needy artists has ended as well. Additionally, Maloo expressed disappointment that Rajasthan's largest folk festival, Lok Anuranjan Mela, has been moved back to the Town Hall from its larger venue, Ashok Udyan. This change limits the audience size. The annual three-day festival opened on Sunday and features 800 folk artists from nine states.