Folk art, street plays help popularise govt schemes
The Information and Public Relations Department is using folk media to raise awareness about the state government’s welfare schemes in Sirmaur district. This initiative aims to inform the public about programmes for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minority communities, promoting equality and inclusivity.
Folk media groups performed in Gram Panchayats Sangrah and Andheri of the Sangrah block, as well as Sirmauri Mandir and Jaihar of the Pachhad block. Aarushi Gramin Sansthan Kala Manch and Aarohi Kala Manch presented engaging programmes designed to inform the public.
The performances highlighted various government schemes, including the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan, which has a budget allocation of Rs 2,483.20 crore. Under this plan, an incentive of Rs 50,000 is provided for inter-caste marriages. Other key initiatives featured in the programme include the Indira Gandhi Priya Behna Sukha-Samman Nidhi Yojana, which benefits 4,128 eligible women in the district with a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500, and the Swarn Jayanti Ashray Yojana, offering Rs 1.5 lakh in financial assistance for house construction. Additionally, the Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Scheme provides a 50 per cent subsidy for purchasing e-taxis, encouraging youth entrepreneurship.
Local leaders and community members, including Panchayat Pradhans, secretaries, and Mahila Mandal representatives, attended the events. Through folk music, plays, and interactive sessions, the programmes effectively communicated key messages and received positive feedback for their innovative approach.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that welfare schemes reach even the most remote areas, fostering development and social equity throughout the state.
