Guwahati: To help the mobile theatre groups to tide over the financial hardship caused by COVID-19 Pandemic, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma ceremonially distributed financial assistance of Rs. 10 lakh each to the producers of 17 nos. Mobile Theatre groups of the state in a programme held at No. 1 State Guest House, Koinadhora in Guwahati on Monday.
The Chief Minister handed over the financial assistance to the producers of Kohinoor, Bordoichila, Awahan, Sudarshan, Surjya, Itihas, Rajtilak, Natasurjya, Bhagyadevi, Pragjyotish, Suruj, Nayantara, Binapani, Matribhumi, Brindaban, Hengool and Chiranjib theatre groups.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr Sarma said that the mobile theatre is a rich heritage of the state and it enriches the cultural mosaic of Assam. He said that in order to keep the mobile theatre industry vibrant, there is a need to take joint efforts by the government and the theatre groups.
The Chief Minister said that during last two years mobile theatre groups have been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic as no plays could be performed during this period in the state. As a result producers of the mobile theatre groups have incurred heavy loses and the people associated with the industry had to face tremendous challenges.
However, recently the state government allowed the mobile theatre groups to stage plays maintaining COVID-19 protocol and already several groups have started performance. Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma further said that the state government during 2020-21 has also provided financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 50,000 to 974 artists of mobile theatre groups as a mark of honour for their contributions to the cultural field of Assam.
