Thiruvananthapuram: CPI-M led LDF government in Kerala on Friday announced an increase of Rs 2000 in the pension amount of journalists to touch Rs 10,000 per month.
The budget for the year 2017-18 presented by finance minister T M Thomas Isaac said the pension of the journalists who are members in the Contributory Pension Scheme has been enhanced by Rs 2000.
An amount of Rs 3 crore has been earmarked for Media Academy and Rs 5 lakh for Kesari Journalist Trust here, Isaac said.
A Diamond Jubilee Fellowship would be provided to 1000 young artists at the rate of Rs 10,000 per month, he said.
"The condition for granting the fellowship is that the artists shall volunteer to conduct artistic activities including imparting training in art in association with the institutions like schools and community centers under local self governments", he said.
For this purpose Rs 135 crore has been earmarked, he added.
Another Rs 1 crore was earmarked for the formation of art hubs of village artists and craftsmen, he said.