Lok Sabha Question No. 3646 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Establishment of Central Tribal Cultural Library in Kandhamal
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3646 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRAL TRIBAL

CULTURAL LIBRARY IN KANDHAMAL

## 3646.  SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI.

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government proposes to establish a Central Library dedicated to tribal culture and a Tribal Museum in Kandhamal district of Odisha, in view of its rich tribal heritage and status as a Scheduled District;
- b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  including  the  current  project  status,  estimated  cost,  and proposed timelines for completion;
- c) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  proposal  from  the  State  Government  of Odisha or the local district administration for the same; and
- d) the  details  of  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  the preservation,  documentation, and dissemination of tribal art, culture, and traditional knowledge systems through such institutions, including support extended to recognized  cultural  troupes  such  as:  Dharani  Penu  Sanskrutika  Nrutya  Sangha, Upakhanda  Kalakara  Sangha,  Paramparika  Kui  Sanskruti  Pitarpi,  Banabasi  Kala Sanskrutika Bikash Parishad etc.?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (b) As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, 'Library' is a State subject under the Seventh Schedule. Accordingly, public libraries fall under the administrative jurisdiction of the respective State / Union Territory Governments. Therefore, the establishment of a Central Library does not fall within the mandate of the Ministry of Culture.

(c)  No proposal has been received from the State Government of Odisha or the local district administration for the establishment of a Central Library dedicated to tribal culture or a Tribal Museum in Kandhamal district of Odisha. However, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)', the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has approved a proposal  from  the  State  Government  of  Odisha  for  setting  up  a  Tribal  Research  and Development Centre in Mayurbhanj district and has sanctioned an amount of ₹20.00 crore for the same.

- (d) Details are attached at Annexure- A.

Annexure referred to in reply to part (d) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No.3646 for reply  on  11 th August,  2025  regarding  'Establishment  of  Central  Tribal  Cultural Library in Kandhamal'.

## Ministry of Culture

The  Ministry  of  Culture,  Government  of  India,  under  the Guru-Shishya  Parampara Scheme ,  provides  stipends  to  one  Guru  and  15-20  Shishyas  for  a period  ranging  from  six months to two years. The objective of the scheme is to preserve and promote ancient folk and tribal cultural traditions through traditional systems of knowledge transmission.

Through  its Eastern  Zonal  Cultural  Centre  (EZCC),  Kolkata ,  the  Ministry  actively promotes  the  rich  and  diverse  tribal  and  folk  heritage  of  Odisha  by  organizing  a  range  of cultural  events.  These  include Odisha  Parba in  New  Delhi, Folk  Fair in  Puri, National Tribal/Folk Dance and Music Festivals at various locations across Odisha, Chilika Shelduck Folk Carnival at Barkul, Chilika, and the All India Multilingual Drama and Dance Festival at Rourkela.  In  addition,  workshops  are  conducted  to  revive  endangered  folk  and  tribal  art forms and to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the artists and artisans.

EZCC, Kolkata, also undertakes systematic documentation of tribal and folk art forms to ensure accessibility, research, and awareness. Notable documented works include Bali Yatra , Mural  Paintings  of  Odisha , Folk  Wonders  of  Ganjam , Gotipua  Dances  of  Odisha , Sambalpuri Dance of Odisha , Beyond Popular Gaze (depicting primitive tribes of Odisha), Pearls from the Deep (folk musical instruments of Odisha), and Tantric Dimension of Odissi Dance , among others.

The tribal culture of Odisha is also showcased at Srijani Shilpgram ,  Shantiniketan, West Bengal,  through  permanent  displays  of  tribal  costumes,  musical  instruments,  utensils,  and deities belonging to various tribal communities of the state. Further, EZCC regularly deputes cultural  troupes  from  Odisha  to  participate  in  folk  festivals  across  the  country,  enhancing national exposure and appreciation of Odisha's tribal heritage.

In addition, products made by folk and tribal communities of Odisha are displayed and sold at fairs and exhibitions organized by the Ministry of Culture through its regional cultural centres,  thereby  supporting  economic  empowerment  of  the  communities  while  preserving their cultural legacy.

## Ministry of Tribal Affairs

The Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs,  Government  of  India ,  under  the  Centrally  Sponsored Scheme 'Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)' , provides financial assistance to 29 Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) functioning across various States and Union Territories, including the Tribal Research Institute, Odisha . The financial support is extended based on the Annual Action Plans submitted by the respective State Governments/UT Administrations , subject to the approval of the Apex Committee chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

TRIs operate under the administrative control of the respective State Governments or UT Administrations and  serve  as  the  nodal  institutions  for  tribal  research,  documentation, preservation,  and  promotion  of  tribal  culture.  Under  the  'Support  to  TRIs'  scheme,  the Ministry supports proposals related to infrastructure development , research and documentation , training  and  capacity-building  programmes ,  and  the organization  of tribal festivals, yatras , and exchange visits . These initiatives aim to promote tribal cultural practices,  languages,  and  rituals ,  ensuring  their  preservation  and  dissemination  among communities and the wider public.