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What Government Schemes Are Available to Preserve and Promote Indian Folk Art and Culture?

India, known for its rich cultural heritage, has always placed a high value on its diverse forms of folk art and culture. To protect, promote, and preserve these traditions, the Government of India has implemented various schemes. These initiatives aim to provide financial assistance, infrastructure, and platforms for artists and cultural organizations. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key government schemes dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian folk art and culture.

1. Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)

Objective: This scheme aims to support the traditional Guru-Shishya (mentor-disciple) method of imparting training in various performing arts. It provides financial assistance to both Gurus and their Shishyas.

Details:

• Eligibility: Dramatic groups, theatre groups, music ensembles, and other performing arts organizations.
• Assistance: Rs. 15,000 per month for the Guru and Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 10,000 per month for Shishyas, depending on the age and field of the artist.

2. Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture

This scheme comprises several components aimed at supporting cultural organizations, events, and heritage preservation efforts:

i. Financial Assistance to Cultural Organizations with National Presence:

• Objective: To provide financial support to reputed cultural organizations to propagate art and culture.
• Assistance: Up to Rs. 1 crore, which can be increased to Rs. 5 crore in exceptional cases.

ii. Cultural Function & Production Grant (CFPG):

• Objective: To support NGOs, trusts, and universities in organizing seminars, conferences, workshops, and festivals.
• Assistance: Up to Rs. 5 lakh, which can be increased to Rs. 20 lakh in exceptional circumstances.

iii. Financial Assistance for the Preservation & Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas:

• Objective: To promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the Himalayan region.
• Assistance: Up to Rs. 10 lakh per year, which can be increased to Rs. 30 lakh in exceptional cases.

iv. Financial Assistance for the Preservation & Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Culture:

• Objective: To support voluntary Buddhist and Tibetan organizations in preserving their cultural heritage.
• Assistance: Up to Rs. 30 lakh per year, which can be increased to Rs. 1 crore in exceptional cases.

v. Financial Assistance for Building Grants including Studio Theatres:

• Objective: To create and upgrade cultural infrastructure such as auditoriums and rehearsal halls.
• Assistance: Up to Rs. 50 lakh in metro cities and up to Rs. 25 lakh in non-metro cities.

vi. Financial Assistance for Allied Cultural Activities:

• Objective: To enhance the audiovisual experience of live performances.
• Assistance: Up to Rs. 1 crore for audio and Rs. 1.5 crore for audio-visual setups.

3. Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture

i. Fellowship to Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture:

• Objective: To support cultural research by awarding fellowships to outstanding individuals.
• Assistance: Rs. 10,000 per month for Junior Fellows and Rs. 20,000 per month for Senior Fellows.

ii. Scholarships to Young Artists:

• Objective: To support young artists in advanced training in various cultural fields.
• Assistance: Rs. 5,000 per month for two years.

iii. Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research:

• Objective: To encourage scholars to affiliate with cultural institutions for research.
• Assistance: Rs. 80,000 per month for Fellows and Rs. 50,000 per month for Scholars.

4. Financial Assistance for Construction of Tagore Cultural Complexes (TCC)

Objective: To provide financial support for the creation of new cultural spaces and the restoration of existing ones.

Details:

• Eligibility: NGOs, trusts, state/UT governments, and other cultural bodies.
• Assistance: Up to Rs. 15 crore for new complexes and for the renovation of existing facilities.

5. Seva Bhoj Yojana

Objective: To reimburse Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) paid on the purchase of raw food items by charitable and religious institutions distributing free food.

Details:

• Eligibility: Gurudwaras, temples, mosques, churches, and other religious institutions.
• Assistance: Reimbursement of taxes paid on specific raw food items used for free distribution.

6. Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs)

The Government of India has established seven Zonal Cultural Centres to promote and preserve folk art and culture across various regions. These centers organize numerous cultural activities and festivals, providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents.

Key Activities: