The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday approved a classical music scheme named after Pandit Bhimsen Joshi ahead of his second death anniversary, an official said.
"In accordance with the State Cultural Policy, 2010, five new sub-schemes will be implemented in the name of Joshi to encourage upcoming artists in the field of music. These will include a scholarship programme, classical music festival, hostel for students, a lifetime achievement award and aid to a notable music institute," the official said.
A Bharat Ratna awardee, Joshi passed away on Jan 24, 2011 in a Pune hospital. He was 88.
The cabinet has granted Rs. 45.66 lakh for the five programmes, the official added.
A practitioner of the Kirana gharana, Joshi was known for his mellifluous khayals as well as for his popular renditions of devotional abhangs and bhajans.