Calcutta, Mar 22 (PTI): The West Bengal government on Friday announced special support for local theatre groups and people in rural areas.

Some 100 theatre groups would be offered Rs 35000 each, and 300 folk groups and folk performers with poor financial condition with Rs 7000 and Rs 5000 respectively.

The state government has identified 170 poor folk performers and decided to offer a pension of Rs 1500 per month.

Education minister Bratya Basu told reporters at the state secretariat that Rs 80 lakh was provided by the state information and cultural department for a one time annual grant.

Meanwhile, the officials of the I&CA department said the state government has decided to engage folk groups and performers to campaign at government programmes in rural areas.

The state government will begin campaigns with the women and child welfare department.