Jammu: A delegation comprising office bearers of the Sanskriti Art and Culture Cell called on Rakesh Mahajan, State Vice President, BJP, to raise serious concerns regarding the non-disbursement of State Awards announced by the government over the past three years.
The delegation included Narendra Singh, State Incharge, Sanskriti Art and Culture Cell; Sahil Mahajan, State Co-Incharge, Sanskriti Art and Culture Cell; Raman Singh Salathia, State Awardee and Co-Incharge, Sanskriti Art and Culture Cell; and renowned social activist and singer Sandhya Sharma.
During the meeting, Raman Singh Salathia, a renowned Dogri singer and State Awardee, highlighted that although the State Government has formally announced State Awards for the past three years, the awardees have neither received the prize money nor the official certificates to date. He expressed deep disappointment, stating that artists dedicate their lives to preserving and promoting culture with the hope that governmental recognition will honor and encourage their efforts. However, the absence of tangible recognition has left many awardees disheartened.
Expressing shock and concern over the issue, Rakesh Mahajan termed the matter “deeply unfortunate.” He said it is disheartening that artists who bring pride to the state through their talent are left waiting for basic recognition after being declared awardees. He further stated that the state already lacks structured provisions and institutional support to help artists grow and reach national platforms, and such negligence only adds to their struggles.
Mahajan appealed to the concerned department and the government to immediately address the issue and ensure that the pending prize money and official certificates are released without further delay. He assured the delegation that he would take up the matter at the appropriate level and fight to secure the rightful dues of the artists.
On behalf of the delegation, Narendra Singh and Raman Singh Salathia thanked Rakesh Mahajan for taking up the issue seriously and for assuring support in raising the matter with the government.
The delegation expressed hope that the government will act promptly to uphold the dignity and morale of the state’s artists.
