Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is considering a statewide survey of all folk art forms and folk artists, along with the issuance of government-recognised identity cards, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said following a detailed discussion with representatives of the folk arts community on Wednesday.

The delegation also demanded that an authenticated database of the state’s folk art forms be made available on the official website of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs. Shelar assured the representatives that a meeting with senior officials of the department would be convened soon to discuss the demands and take an appropriate decision.

Prof. Dr Ganesh Chandanshive, Head of the Folk Arts Academy’s department, senior journalist and folk art researcher Khanduraj Gaikwad, and folk art researcher Dr Shivaji Waghmare held an extensive discussion with Shelar on various long-pending issues concerning folk artists.

The delegation pointed out that despite Maharashtra completing 66 years since its formation, there is still no comprehensive official government record of the state’s folk art forms and folk artists. The lack of reliable data is creating difficulties in effective cultural policy implementation, financial planning and the targeted execution of welfare schemes for folk artists, they said.

The representatives also referred to a Government Resolution dated April 16, 2015, under which an initiative was launched for the preservation, collection, documentation and computerisation of folk arts, folk dances and folk instruments. However, since the intended objectives have not been fully achieved, the initiative needs to be revived and implemented on a wider and more comprehensive scale, the delegation stated.

Welcoming the decision to conduct a survey of the traditional Dashavatar folk art of the Konkan region, the delegation demanded that similar district-wise surveys be undertaken for all folk art forms and artists across Maharashtra. It also called for an authenticated list of folk art forms to be published on the Directorate of Cultural Affairs’ website and for government-recognised identity cards to be issued to folk artists.

A statewide survey would provide an official database of Maharashtra’s diverse folk traditions, strengthen the implementation of cultural policies and provide researchers and students with verified information. It would also help folk artists access government schemes, honorariums, grants and welfare benefits more easily, Gaikwad said.

The delegation further demanded the immediate revival of district-level folk art festivals that were earlier organised by the Cultural Affairs Department. Chandanshive pointed out that the discontinuation of these festivals had deprived local folk artists of platforms to showcase their traditional art.

Shelar responded positively to the demand and said the government would consider restarting the festivals.

Several other pending issues concerning folk artists were also discussed during the meeting. Shelar assured the delegation that a meeting with senior officials would be held shortly and that necessary measures would be considered to address the issues raised.