Artists to get Rs 500 million under Artist Khidmat Card

LAHORE: The Government of Punjab has established a special fund of Rs. 500 million to provide financial security to deserving artists. The Punjab Artist Khidmat Card program offers monthly stipends of Rs 5,000 to eligible artists as a means to enhance their living conditions.

The initial phase provided 63 eligible artists with stipend payments of Rs 15,000 each. The stipend will be disbursed through the Bank of Punjab. The program started accepting applications at the beginning of the year, which resulted in 2,702 total applications.

The approval process determined that 1,831 artists met the eligibility requirements after officials conducted their evaluation according to established regulations.

The Punjab Social Protection Authority has received data about eligible artists, while the fund distribution process has commenced. An educational grant of Rs 300,000 has been allocated for deserving artists.

The approved funding package includes a medical grant of Rs 200,000 and additional financial support of Rs 100,000. A proposal is under consideration to provide a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 for artists above 80 years of age, while a relief scheme is being planned for artists above 54 years of age.