Lok Sabha Question No. 989 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Preservation of Cultural Practices in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-989 ANSWERED ON 10.02.2025

## PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL PRACTICES IN TAMIL NADU

## 989. Ms. S JOTHIMANI:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the steps taken by the Government to enhance the role of local artisans of Tamil Nadu in the national cultural economy;
- (b) whether any initiatives were launched in Tamil Nadu State during the last three years to engage youth in preserving traditional cultural practices;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the details of the steps taken by the Government to ensure cultural programmes reach rural and marginalized communities in the said State?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) To promote, protect and preserve various forms of folk art& culture and to enhance the role of local artisans of Tamil Nadu, the Government of India has set up South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) at Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu).During the programmes organized by SZCC in its member States including Tamil Nadu, various stalls are set up at the venue where local artisans display their handmade products for sale to earn livelihood.

For research and documentation of the authentic textile, craft and architectural assets of the State  of  Tamil  Nadu,  Aatmanirbhar  Bharat  Centre  for  Design  (ABCD)  has collaborated with the Kalakshetra Foundation (an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture),  Chennai  to  facilitate  Design  Incubation  in  Weaving  (Pattu  Peetaabarum),  Wood Block Printing (Achu-adagam) and Kalamkari Hand Painting (Vraathapani). The Kalakshetra Foundation  aims  to  revive  the  authentic  motifs,  borders  and  vibrant  colors  used  in  textile making  of  Tamil  Nadu  with  the  help  of  their  weavers,  dyers  and  designers  of  traditional textiles.  Further,  ABCD  has  collaborated  with  the  Centre  for  Weavers  of  the  Kumaraguru Institutions  in  Bhavani,  Erode  (Tamil  Nadu)  to  facilitate  design  incubation  in  weaving  of Jamakkalam (coloured coarse threads), a unique cotton carpet/  durrie  woven  in  pit  looms. 'Project Jamakkalam' aims to create a culture of innovation and design among aspirational weavers of Tamil Nadu through the national exposure.

The  Office  of  the  Development  Commissioner  (Handicrafts)  under  Ministry  of Textiles, Government of India is the Nodal Agency for overall Development of Handicraft Sector in the country at central level. In order to assist the artisans of Tamil Nadu through various schemes of Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), 04 Handicraft Service Centres (HSCs) are located in the State.

Ministry  of  Skill  Development  and  Entrepreneurship,  Government  of  India  also implements  a  flagship  scheme  by  the  name  of  Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana (PMKVY), to impart  short  duration  skill  development  training  to  youth  of  the  country  to improve the local and rural culture including traditional artisans/ craftsmen. SZCC, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu) organizes workshops & training camps on sculpture, pottery, mask making, drum making etc. to engage youth in preserving traditional cultural practices on regular basis throughout the year.

(d) To ensure cultural programmes reach rural and marginalized communities in the State of Tamil Nadu, SZCC conducts various outreach programmes in far-flung areas of the State to make the masses aware about the traditional Indian culture.

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