Lok Sabha Question No. 1044 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-08
Subject: Funds to Identify, Register and Audit Cultural Heritage Products
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Nalin Kumar Kateel

- (a)   Yes, Sir.
- (b)&(c)  Institutions  of  Ministry  of  Culture  such  as  the  Akademies  namely  Sangeet  Natak  Akademi (SNA), Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Kalakshetra Foundation (KF), Indira Gandhi  National  Centre  for  the  Arts  (IGNCA),  National  School  of  Drama  (NSD),  Sahitya Akademi  (SA)  and  Lalit  Kala  Akademi  (LKA)  are  engaged  in  the  work  of  preserving  and promoting the traditional cultural heritage of India.

The  Kalakshetra  Foundation  has  established  a  repertory  (a  troupe  of  expert  dancers  and musicians), renovated the performance spaces theatres, open air auditoriums, the curriculum of the diploma and post diploma courses for the propagation and education of Fine Arts (Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Music and Visual Arts). In addition, the KF has initiated to identify, register and revive the traditional weaving and dyeing techniques of Cotton and Silk through its Craft Education and Research Centre.

The  Ministry  of  Culture  formulated  a  scheme  titled  'Scheme  for  Safeguarding  the  Intangible Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India' in 2013, with the objective of reinvigorating and  revitalizing  various  institutions,  groups,  individuals,  identified  non-MOC  institutions,  nonGovernment organisations, researchers and scholars so that they may engage in activities/ projects for  strengthening,  protecting,  preserving  and  promoting  the  rich  Intangible  Cultural  Heritage  of India. Assistance under the scheme is provided in the form of non-recurring grants, honoraria etc. with a view to address areas critical for the survival and propagation of all forms of ICH.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1044 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.02.2021

## FUNDS TO IDENTIFY, REGISTER AND AUDIT CULTURAL HERITAGE PRODUCTS

## 1044. SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government is aware that heritage plays a dominant role in shaping of the Indian social life;
- (b)   if so, the measures being taken to identify, register and audit the priceless cultural and heritage products in detail in our country;
- (c)  whether the Government has earmarked any funds to identify, register and audit the priceless cultural and heritage products in detail in our country; and
- (d)   if so, the details of the funds released and spent during the last three years?

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM (PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

## ANSWER

Moreover, India has successfully inscribed 13 ICH elements in the UNESCO Representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the 2003 Convention.

As the first step towards the making of a National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), the Ministry of Culture (MoC) has put up a list in April, 2020 on its website called 'National list for  Intangible  Cultural  Heritage  (ICH)'.  This  list  is  a  work-in-progress  and  suggestions  are received from stakeholders.

The  National  list  of  Intangible  Cultural  Heritage  (ICH)  of  India  is  an  attempt  to  recognize  the diversity of Indian Culture embedded in its Intangible Heritage.  It aims to raise awareness about the  various  Intangible  Cultural  Heritage  elements  from  different  states  of  India  at  National  and International level and ensure their protection.

Following UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, this  list  has  been  classified  into  five  broad  domains  in  which  Intangible  Cultural  Heritage  is manifested:

-  Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
-  Performing Arts
-  Social practices, Rituals and Festive events
-  Knowledge and practices concerning Nature and the Universe
-  Traditional Craftsmanship
- (d) The Akademies undertake the activities out of their regular grants. During the last three years also, regular grants were utilised for the purpose.