Govt announces pension sop for Dappu artistes

Amaravati: Considering the vulnerability of Dappu artistes in the State, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s government introduced new scheme of pension under Scheduled Castes component. 

The decision is coincidental to the mega public meeting being organised at Nellore by the party, Dalita Tejam – Telugu Desam, on Saturday. Under the Pensions to Dappu Artistes scheme, state government will provide Rs 1500 as social security pension to them on monthly basis. The government issued guidelines for it.

In fact, the government order came as follow up of the promise made by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Government explained that this scheme is introduced with a commitment to provide a dignified life to the most vulnerable and poorest among the poor sections of the society. Dappu is a simple instrument, native to the State. It is also used as an accompanying instrument for all folk performing arts, especially dances, and also used for announcing or publicising any event. Dappu beating constitutes an integral part of the celebration of any ritual or festivity.

The traditional art form of Dappu, is an almost exclusive preserve of practitioners from the Schedule Castes community, the art is transformed  from generation to generation. There are many families which depend on   Dappu art form for their livelihood. Due to the passage of time & advancement of modern forms of music, especially electronic instrumentation in music, the popularity of Dappu has steadily declined, explained SS Rawat, Principal Secretary, Social Welfare department.

The youth are not attracted towards the Dappu art form, due to opportunities for alternative vocations, while the older artistes are not in a position to continue in the profession due to their old age and Dappu beating has become a dying art form, he stated in the government order. Hence, the government is introducing a new scheme of Pension to Dappu Artistes as a social security measure and for protecting the traditional art form.

As the Dappu artistes belonging to Schedule Caste community, government accorded sanction to the new scheme of “Pension to Dappu Artistes”, as a social safety net, under the Scheduled Castes Component. Government also notified guidelines for implementing the new scheme.

Eligibility Criteria:

Beneficiary should belong to SC Community; should be a Dappu artiste and aged above 50 years. He should be below the Poverty Line and should  not be drawing any other pension.