Chandigarh: Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu today visited Dhadhi folk singer Idu Sharif, a paralytic, and handed over financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to him. The minister was accompanied by chairman of Punjab Kala Parishad Dr Surjit Patar, secretary general Lakhwinder Singh Johal and Nirmal Jaura to the residence of the singer at Manimajra here. 

Sidhu was conferred the Honesty Award during Baba Farid Mela recently where he was also given the prize money of Rs 1 lakh. The minister had then announced that he would add a similar amount and give aid to Sharif, who is facing a tough time.

Sidhu prayed for the speedy recovery of the legendary singer. He said though the amount was not big, it carried the blessings of Baba Farid. On the occasion, Sharif and his son Vicky rendered the song "Zindagi de rang sajjna". 

The minister further said that the BCCI had decided to give pensions to the former cricketers considering the economic problems that the ex-cricketer Salim Durrani had to undergo so as to make sure that ex-cricketers don't have to fall on bad days in their old age.

The government will deliberate on creating a fund to help artistes, litterateurs and folk singers, who instead of going commercial devoted their life to the culture and folk art, in the twilight of their life. — Navjot Singh Sidhu, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister.