Lok Sabha Question No. 514 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-06
Subject: Constitution of Committee for Scientific Preservation of Ancient Culture
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Rajeshbhai Naranbhai Chudasama

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 514 ANSWERED ON 06.02.2023

## CONSTITUTION OF COMMITTEE FOR SCIENTIFIC PRESERVATION OF ANCIENT CULTURE

## 514. SHRI RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA:

Will the Minister of Culture be pleased to state:

- (a)   the  steps  taken  by  the  Government for preservation of folk art, folk dance, folk music and folk literature in the country;
- (b)   whether the Government proposes to constitute a Committee in this regard for scientific preservation  and  popularising  country's  ancient  culture,  literature,  folk  music,  folk literature and folk art for coming generations; and
- (c)   if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) For preservation of folk art, folk dance and folk music in the country, the Government of  India  has  set  up  seven  (7)  Zonal  Cultural  Centres  (ZCCs)  with  headquarters  at  Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur. These ZCCs organize various cultural  activities  and  programmes  in  their  member  States  throughout  the  year  on  regular basis  for  which  annual  grant-in-aid  is  provided  to  them.  Folk  artists  are  engaged  by  these ZCCs to  showcase  their  talents  in  these  cultural  programmes/activities  for  which  they  are paid  honorarium,  DA/TA,  boarding  &  lodging  etc.  Besides,  number  of  schemes  are  being implemented  by  these  ZCCs  for  preservation  of  various  art  forms  which  may  be  seen  at Annexure .

For  preservation  of  folk  literature,  Sahitya  Akademi,  an  autonomous  organization under  Ministry  of  Culture  has  been  organizing  a  programme  called  'Loka:  The  Many Voices', consisting of lectures as well as demonstrations etc., seminars, symposia on folk and tribal literature across the country. Number of significant publications in this regard have also been  brought  out.  Besides,  the  Akademi  has  constituted  a  series  of  programmes  titled Gramalok which celebrates literature. The series of programmes such as Literary Forum are also conducted in rural areas.

- (b) & (c) No such proposal is under the consideration of the Government.

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## Annexure referred to in reply to part (a) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 514 for 06.02.2023

## Schemes being implemented by Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs)

- i. Award to Young Talented Artistes: The Scheme 'Young Talented Artists' is carried out  to  encourage  and  recognize  the  young  talents  especially  in  the  field  of  rare  art  forms. Talented youngsters of the age group of 18-30 years are selected and given a onetime  cash award of Rs. 10,000/-.
- ii. Guru Shishya Parampara: This scheme envisages transmitting our valued traditions to the coming generations. Disciples are trained under veterans in art forms which are rare and vanishing. Rare and vanishing art forms of the region are identified and eminent exponents are  selected  to  carry  out  the  training  programmes  in  'Gurukula'  tradition.  The  monthly remuneration for Guru - Rs. 7,500/-, Accompanist - Rs. 3,750/- and Pupils - Rs. 1,500/- each for the period of six month to maximum 1 year for one scheme. The names of the Gurus are recommended by the State Cultural Affairs Departments.
- iii. Theatre  Rejuvenation: To  promote  theatre  activities  including  stage  shows  and Production oriented workshops, etc. Honorarium Up to Rs. 30,000/- per show excluding TA &  DA  is  paid.  The  groups  finalized  on  the  basis  their  credentials  as  well  as  the  merit  of project submitted by them.
- iv. Research & Documentation: To  preserve promote and propagate vanishing visual and  performing  art  forms  including  folk,  tribal  and  classical  in  the  field  of  music,  dance, theatre,  literature,  fine  arts  etc.  in  print/  audio  -  visual  media.  The  art  form  is  finalized  in consultation with state Cultural Department.
- v. Shilpgram: To  promote  folk  and  tribal  art  and  crafts  of  the  zone  by  organizing seminar, workshops, exhibitions, craft fairs, design development and marketing support to the artisans living in the rural areas.
- vi. Octave: To  promote  and  propagate  the  rich  cultural  heritage  of  North  East  region comprising of eight States namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura to the rest of India.
- vii. National  Cultural  Exchange Programme: It  can  be  termed  as  the  lifeline  of  the Zonal Cultural Centers. Under this scheme, various festivals of performing arts, exhibitions, yatras  etc  are  organized  in  member  States.  Artists  from  other  zones/states  are  invited  to participate  in  these  programmes.  Participation  of  artists  from  the  Zone  in  festivals  held  in other parts of the country are also facilitated. Zonal centres also participate in Major festivals happening  in  member  States  by  arranging  performances  during  these  festivals  where  large number  of  audience  get  chance  to  enjoy  and  understand  art  forms  of  other  regions.  These festivals provide opportunity to taste and understand various cultures of our country.