Bhubaneswar, Feb 23: Speaker of the Odisha Assembly Dr Surya Narayan Patro today directed the state government to discuss about the problems of the jatra (opera) artists and take a decision soon.

Raising the issue Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said that the jatra artists are passing through a severe economic crisis following Covid-19 pandemic. As the staging of jatra has completely been stopped in the state, the jatra artists are leading a very miserable life. They are forced to migrate to other states in search of livelihood.

In view of this the jatra artists have hit the streets. They have staged dharna demanding employment. The government should take necessary measures to alleviate their sufferings or else the tradition of jatra will come to an end in the state, said Bahinipati.

The Centre should be moved to accord classical status to jatra demanded the opposition members. In response, Speaker Dr Patro gave a ruling and asked the government to discuss this grave issue and take necessary measures.