Mysuru: – “The folk artistes, who participated in the Dasara procession (Jumboo Savari) were treated like animals without providing basic amenities and proper remuneration,” alleged Akhila Karnataka Janapada Kalavidara Okkuta President Jogila Siddaraju.

Addressing a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan here yesterday, Siddaraju came down heavily on Dasara Procession Sub-Committee. ‘Over 900 folk artistes were just dumped at a place sans any proper amenities almost equating to animals. Only food was provided with no bathrooms or toilets. The artistes were asked to report at Palace premises on the procession day at 8 am and even drinking water was not provided. The artistes performed till evening even without going to toilet,” bemoaned Siddaraju and added that appeals to District Minister and DC on that context went in vain.

Continuing, Siddaraju said that the minimum assured remuneration too had not reached the artistes. He warned that the artistes would refuse to participate in the procession in the coming years if the artistes were not given due respect and treatment. He sought a remuneration of Rs.5,000 per day for each artiste participating in Dasara procession, a separate Karnataka Folk Development Authority and deputing the State folk artistes for cultural festival in India and abroad.

Janapada Academy former member Mahadeva, artistes Kumaraswamy, Revanna, Keeralu Mahesh and others were present.