Lok Sabha Question No. 1192 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Mera Gaon Mera Dharohar Programme
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Khalilur Rahaman, Shri Tharaniventhan M S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIONNo.1192

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025

## MERA GAON MERA DHAROHAR PROGRAMME

## 1192. SHRI KHALILUR RAHAMAN: SHRI THARANIVENTHAN M S:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  along  with  objectives  of  Mera  Gaon  Mera  Dharohar  (MGMD) programme;
- (b) the  details  of  the  number  of  villages  to  be  connected  throughout  the  country particularly in West Bengal along with the timeline to achieve the same;
- (c) the details of the financial assistance allocated and sanctioned for the implementation of the said programme in the country particularly in Tamil Nadu so far;
- (d) the manner in which the said programme ensures the sustainable preservation of intangible cultural heritage, including traditional art forms, rituals and folk performances;
- (e) whether the  Government has conducted any  assessments or surveys to  measure the  success  of  the  said  programme  in  terms  of  cultural  preservation  and  community engagement and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) the  details  of  the  steps  taken/being  taken  to  expand  the  reach  of  the  said programme to more villages, particularly those located in remote and underserved areas?

## ANSWER

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

(a) To preserve and promote India's rich cultural heritage, the Ministry of Culture has established  the  National  Mission  on  Cultural  Mapping  (NMCM).  Implemented  by  the Indira  Gandhi  National  Centre  for  the  Arts  (IGNCA),  the  mission  aims  to  document India's cultural heritage and its potential to revitalize rural economics.

As  a  part  of  Azadi  Ka  Amrit  Mahotsav,  NMCM  launched  Mera  Gaon  Meri Dharohar (MGMD) portal in June 2023 (https://mgmd.gov.in/).  This initiative aims to document the cultural heritage of  6.5 lakh villages of India. Currently, 4.7 lakh villages are live on the portal with their respective cultural portfolios.

The  MGMD  portal  captures  a  wide  range  of  cultural  elements,  including  oral traditions, beliefs, customs, historical significance, art forms, traditional food, prominent artists,  fairs  and  festivals,  traditional  dress,  ornaments and  local  landmarks.    This  Portal also  includes  the  cultural  expressions  of  India's  marginalized  communities  and  lesserknown traditions across the country.

NMCM  is  a  significant  step  towards  preserving  India's  cultural  heritage  and empowering  rural  communities.    By  documenting  and  promoting  cultural  assets,  the mission aims to strengthen cultural identity and foster economic development.

(b) The  total  number  of  villages  targeted  for  cultural  mapping  across  the  country under the MGMD programme is 6.5 lakh, including 41,116 villages in the state of West Bengal.  As of now, 5,917 villages in West Bengal have mapped, and corresponding data has  been  uploaded  on  the  MGMD  Web  Portal.    The  remaining  35,199  villages  are  in active documentation process. (c) So far, no financial assistance has been allocated/sanctioned for implementation of the said programme, state-wise including Tamil Nadu. (d) Currently, the data of 4.7 lakh villages have been uploaded on the MGMD Web Portal.    The  data  would  help  in  identifying  and  documenting  preservation  of  intangible cultural heritage, including traditional art forms, rituals and folk performances; (e)& (f) No.

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