Shobha Jadhav, a 65-year-old retired lavani dancer, has spent the past 10 years running from pillar to post trying to get her promised pension from the state. Jadhav, like several other senior artistes in the state, has met officials across several departments, from the Mantralaya to the district social welfare office, fighting for her right.

Surekha Punekar, a renowned lavani dancer, has often attempted to help senior artistes when they fail to get their pension. File pic

“There are many such artistes who performed traditional danceforms like lavani, who face pension issues. The red-tapism in the district administration has compelled these artistes to live in a grave financial situation for several years,” said the renowned lavani artiste, Surekha Punekar, who is also Jadhav’s younger sister.

According to the state government’s pension scheme for older artistes in Maharashtra, those who performed at the national level are entitled to R1,400 per month, while state and district level artistes are entitled to Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,000 respectively. In reality, however, Jadhav is one amongst many who spend years waiting before they see any money.