Mysuru: With the countdown for Dasara having begun, the Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya Districts Janapada Kalavidara Okkoota has urged the Government to pay Rs. 5,000 to each of the folk artistes taking part in Jumboo Savari.

Addressing a press meet here yesterday, Okkoota President Udigala Mahadevappa said that at present, the folk artistes are paid just Rs.1,750  for two days which is not enough considering the rising costs. Pointing out that they have to bear many expenses such as transport of folk items, travel, boarding, lodging etc., he said that the folk artistes must be paid at least  Rs. 5,000 each.

Stating that the folk artistes are a neglected lot, Mahadevappa said that while the authorities pay lakhs of rupees for singers and other artistes from outside States, the folk artistes are a discriminated lot. Private sponsors used to provide food to folk artistes at Bannimantap in the past, but now this has been stopped. Food sponsoring must resume, he said adding that the District Ministers and the District Administration should take note of the matter. Okkoota members Kiralu Mahesh, Revanna, Shivalingappa, Mallesh, Prabhu and Kamsale Ravi were present.