The Kalakar Sahayata Yojana, a major scheme of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, provide financial support to the artists. With the new inclusion, the number of beneficiaries under the scheme has gone up from 50,000 to 80,000.

Under this scheme, the artists are paid an assistance of Rs 1200 every month by the government.

The artists and their organisations had submitted the proposal for inclusion of more beneficiaries under the scheme to 5T chairman VK Pandian during his visit to different districts.

Extending his approval, the chief minister said the artists are the ambassadors of a culture. He hoped that the artists would be encouraged by the assistance to spread the art and culture of Odisha.