Govt has given recognition to Baul singers: Minister

West Bengal Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs Indranil Sen today said the government has given more recognition to 'baul singers' and provided them financial help.
Sen was addressing a press meet to announce the 'Bangla Sangeet Mela' to be held from December 23-30 across nine venues in the city including the compound of state-run cultural complexes Nandan and Rabindra Sadan.
"Before 2011 baul singers (Bengali folk singers) could only be seen in certain programme. But once our government took over we are working towards giving them a global face, we are inviting them to perform at various cultural events throughout the year across the state and elsewhere. They are now more financially secure," the minister said.

He said the Baul singers are now getting monthly support from state.
"Not only baul singers, who are an inseparable part of Bengal's heritage, folk singers of different genres and local singers are now getting financial help from the government," he added.
Over 2000 singers will perform at nine venues during the Sangeet Mela, he said.
Veteran Rabindra Sangeet exponent Dwijen Mukhopadhyay said at the press meet "It is unbelievable how so many artistes from the rural parts of the state have been gathered under one umbrella to let them perform their art. This government is doing a lot for artistes all over the state."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the Sangeet Mela at a function in Uttirno Mukto Manch on December 23.