The state government has increased the number of artistes pension beneficiaries to 85 from 70 who would receive Rs 8,000 per month, and raised the one-time payment of Rs 50,000 to 65 artistes from 50, Doley, the cultural affairs minister, said in the state Assembly.
Financial help of different amounts were also given to various non-government cultural organisations, libraries and institutions for cultural development of the state, he said.