Government accommodation: India
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Houses for artistes
The Times of India, Jun 16 2015
Dipak Dash
Artistes too latch on to govt houses
Politicians are not the only ones trying to hang on to government accommodations long after their term has expired. Prominent artistes too are overstaying their welcome. Several exponents from the field of music, dance and art are living in government flats for over 11 years and in some cases up to 36 years, paying a nominal licence fee against the limit of stay of six years. Sources said the licence fee for such accommodations in posh areas, including Lodhi Colony , Asian Games Village, Shahajahan Road, Kaka Nagar, Gulmohar Park, Pandara Road and R K Puram, is below Rs 1,000 per month.
Records accessed by TOI shows that none of the 27 occupants fall within the eligibility criteria set for government accommodation. The list includes Santoor maestro Pt Bhajan Sopori, Kathak exponents Pt Birju Maharaj and Geetanjali Lal, renowned painter Jatin Das, Odissi exponents H K Behera and Mayadhar Raut.
In three cases, the houses have been occupied by artistes' dependents for 4-11 years whereas the norm says, “in case of death of an allottee, the immediate family shall be allowed retention period of six months“. “This is blocking other young artists to get an accommodation in Delhi, who cannot afford a house in pursuit of their artistic endeavours,“ said an official.
Officials said the cabinet committee on accommodation has been giving extension to these occupants after cases are forwarded by the culture ministry . The latter has already sent the list of almost all these artists for further extension to the urban development ministry .
