Muzaffarpur: Artists in Muzaffarpur gathered at Baba Garibnath temple on Tuesday to express their gratitude to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after the Bihar government announced a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 for senior artists.
The celebration saw artists arriving with drums and trumpets, performing rituals and prayers for the Chief Minister’s well-being. Many called the decision a long-awaited relief. Mohammad Hussain, a trumpet player with 25 years of experience, said, “I have been playing trumpet at weddings and puja events but hardly earn Rs 40,000 to 50,000 in a year. This scheme gives us some confidence about the future.”
Sonu Singh, President of the Bihar Artist Association, said artists had been demanding pension since 2009. “Today the government heard our voice. Artists above 50 will now get Rs 3,000 per month, and it is a big step towards securing our dignity,” he said.
Under the Chief Minister Artist Pension Scheme, artists above 50 years with at least 10 years of work under a registered banner will be eligible for the pension. The decision was approved in the cabinet meeting on July 1.
The artists said the pension will not only support their livelihoods but also encourage traditional art forms that are fading due to financial insecurity.
