Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to provide monthly allowance to as many as 50,000 artists of the state. An announcement in this regard was made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after a meeting held at the state secretariat here today.

Under a new scheme namely 'Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojna', the eligible artists will get a monthly allowance of Rs 1,200. Earlier, the allowance was provided to 4,000 artists.

Patnaik also announced about relaxation of age criteria for availing benefits under the scheme. The age limit for male and female artists to get the allowance has been reduced from 60 years and 50 years to 50 and 40 years, respectively.

It has also been decided to decentralise the allowance granting process as the district administrations will be entrusted with the work.