In the midst of the ongoing coronavirus epidemic, the Punjab Government has declared a financial assistance package for the artists facing struggle.
The Punjab Department of Information and Culture has started to prepare a financial aid package for the artists after approval from the Punjab government.
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar in a statement on Tuesday said, “The Punjab government will help 3,000 artists.”
He further added that the artists will get financial help of Rs15,000 to Rs20,000.
Earlier, the Punjab government allowed the operation of routine-wised businesses in the province and permitted to open utility stores from 9 am to 8 pm.
All textile industries will get operational soon, while other small businesses, including barbers, will be allowed to work.
Whereas, textile-related industries and small businesses can easily work within the stipulated working hours.
Earlier, above 50 low-income artists of Sargodha Division received a cheque for Rs5,000 each on Friday under a relief package announced by Information and Culture Department of Punjab.
The relief package “Artist Support Fund” was designed to help poor artists amid the adverse impact of Coronavirus pandemic on the country’s economy during the lockdown.
Artistes from television, radio, painting calligraphy, music, technical staff and makeup category were included in this scheme. Keeping in view the Act 144 and other safety measures, the distribution ceremony was held at Punjab Council of Arts, Sargodha Division in which artistes from across the division were called individually. The amount was distributed by Adnan Khaliq Bhatti, the Programme Officer of the Arts Council.
