Kochi, Friday 09 Jan 2008: The Rs.2-crore first prize bumper lottery initiated by the Cultural Department for implementing welfare schemes for artistes in various fields will be launched at a star-studded function to be held here on Saturday.

Minister for Culture M.A. Baby said the price of a ticket is Rs.100. There would be 10 prizes worth Rs.5 lakh each and five prizes of Rs.1 lakh each.
He said there would be an added attraction for those who bought tickets worth Rs.10,000 and above – they could collect the tickets from cine stars.

The lottery scheme was being implemented in association with the State Lottery Department.
Stating that the lottery would provide the funds for supporting ailing artistes in various fields including cinema, television, theatre, music, dance, and painting, the Minister said the scheme was first of its kind in the country.

The secretary of the Chalachitra Academy would be the convener of the forum that would formulate the welfare programmes.
Praising the initiative, actor Innocent said there were many artistes in the industry who required support from society for their daily existence. The film fraternity would work for the success of the lottery scheme, he said.

Stating that there would be shortage of artistes, if there was shortage of welfare schemes for them, actor Mammootty said the lottery scheme would benefit hundreds of artistes.
The lottery would be launched at a function to be held at the Durbar Hall Ground here on Saturday. A cultural programme attended by leading artistes would be held at the venue after the launch.