Lok Sabha Question No. 143 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Encouragement of Indian Cultural Heritage
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Anil Firojiya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOKSABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIONNO.143

ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## ENCOURAGEMENT OF INDIAN CULTURE HERITAGE

## †143. SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  launched  any  new  schemes  to  encourage  Indian Cultural Heritage at global level during 'Amrit kaal' and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of the measures taken/being taken by the Government for conservation and digitalization of archaeological monuments across the country;
- (c) whether the Government has launched any new schemes for cultured exchange activities  among  different  States  under  'Ek  Bharat  Shreshth  Bharat  Programme' and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  started  any  new  initiative  to  encourage  traditional arts and skills in rural areas and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether  the  Government  has  established  any  digital  archive  or  museums  to honour anonymous heroes of freedom struggle and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) Since 2021, Ministry of Culture, Government of India has signed Cultural Exchange Programmes  (CEPs)  with  41  countries  for  disseminating  Indian  art  and  culture abroad  to  promote  India's  soft  power  and  for  developing  and  promoting  intercultural  relations between India and other countries in different areas of arts and culture  like  music,  dance,  theatre,  museums  &  science  museums,  libraries, archives,  protection  and  conservation  of  historic  monuments  and  archaeological sites,  literature,  research  &  documentation,  festival,  anthropology,  among  others. Further, Festival of India are also organized in other countries latest been at Kuwait in March, 2023 and France in July, 2023.
- (b) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has undertaken several measures to maintain and  conserve  the  protected  monuments  and  areas.  Periodic  inspections  of  the protected monuments and areas are conducted to assess the conservation status and requirements. Conservation of the monuments are done as per the need and also  considering  the  availability  of  resources,  following  the  national  conservation policy.  Additionally,  ASI  is  improving  monument  documentation  through  digital records and condition mapping.
- Two programs namely Yuva Sangam and Kashi Tamil Sangam (KTS) have been
- (c) organized under EBSB.

Under  Yuva  Sangam,  cultural-cum-educational  exchange  tours  of  youth  among paired  states  take  place,  whereas  under  KTS,  cultural  exchange  programme between two ancient seats of learning viz, Kashi and Tamil Nadu take place.

- (d) The Zonal Cultural Centers (ZCCs) organized the Vilupt Lok Evam JanjatiyaKala Utthan  Mahotsav  from  October  2024  to  March  2025  which  was  held  at  the divisional  level  across  all  seven  cultural  zones.  This  festival  was  a  collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Textiles, State  Governments  and  academic institutions.  It  featured  intensive  15-21  day  workshops  every  week  offering immersive training and exposure to traditional art forms thereby creating a vibrant platform for reviving and keeping alive the diverse art forms of the country.
- (e) The Government has established dedicated digital archives to honour the heroes of the freedom struggle. Notably, the History Corner on the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav website - now transitioned to Amrit Kaal (https://amritkaal.nic.in/), mainly anchors the 'Freedom Struggle' theme under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. This section brings alive  stories  of  unsung  heroes,  freedom  movements,  milestones,  and  sacrifices that shaped our journey to independence. It is organised into eight sub-sections:
1. Digital District Repository - District-wise narratives of India's freedom struggle under  four  categories:  People  &  Personalities,  Events  &  Happenings,  Hidden Treasures (Built & Natural Heritage), and Living Traditions & Art Forms.
2.  Unsung  Heroes  -  Tributes  to  forgotten  freedom  fighters  who  are  often forgotten.
3. Public Contribution Portal - Citizens can share stories here.
4. Swatantra Swar - Banned revolutionary literature including 509 digitised files of revolutionary  poetry  in  11  languages  and  features  recitations  by  prominent personalities.
5. Podcast on Freedom Movement.
6. Rajyageet - Melodic identities of States/Union   Territories.
7. Freedom Corner - Stories of India's struggle
8. Exhibitions - Commemorating events like Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, and the Unity Festival.

Together, these initiatives  preserve,  digitise,  and  share  stories  once  scattered  or hidden, making them freely accessible to the public, researchers, and scholars. Further,  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  has  established  a  museum  that  is solely dedicated to honor anonymous and unsung heroes of freedom struggle i.e. 'Aazadi-ke-Diwane' in the Red Fort, Delhi.

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