Lok Sabha Question No. 89 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-01
Subject: Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Folk Art of Bharatpur
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Smt. Sanjna Jatav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-89

## ANSWERED ON 01.12.2025

## PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE AND FOLK ART OF BHARATPUR

†89. SMT. SANJNA JATAV:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the status and continued neglect of preservation and promotion  of  the  traditional  cultural  heritage  and  folk  art  of  Bharatpur  district  of Rajasthan, which is gradually diminishing;
- (b) if so, the details of the schemes aimed at preserving cultural heritage, providing financial assistance to local artists and promoting cultural tourism; and
- (c) if  not,  the  reasons  for  the  inadequate  Governmental  attention  and  lack  of  effective cultural development in the district?

## ANSWER

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

(a) To protect, promote and preserve various forms of folk art & culture and to preserve and  promote  the  traditional  cultural  heritage  of  the  country  including  Rajasthan,  the Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs). Rajasthan is a member State of West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur; North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala and North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC), Prayagraj. These ZCCs organize various cultural activities and programmes on regular basis in their member States including the State of Rajasthan. The ZCCs also implement number of schemes viz. Award to Young Talented Artistes, Guru Shishya Parampara, Theatre Rejuvenation, Research & Documentation, Shilpgram, Octave, and National Cultural Exchange Programme to promote the cultural heritage of their member States including the State of Rajasthan.

Recently, WZCC, NZCC & NCZCC have also undertaken the revival of vanishing art forms viz. Bhapang Wadan, Bahurupi Kala, Sarangi Vadan, Tamasha Folk Theatre, Sanskrut Naatya,  Kadtal  Vadan,  Kalbelia  Dance,  Dhrupad  Gayan,  Mand  Gayan,  Madheran  Art, Rawan  Hatha  Instrument,  Mewati  Lok  Gayan  and  Kuchamani  Khayal  Lok  Natya  of Rajasthan including Bharatpur.

Ministry  of  Culture  has  also  organized  Vilupt  Lok  Evam  Janjatiya  Kala  Utthan Mahotsav (festival of vanishing art forms) by all the ZCCs at Divisional level across all 7 Zones  in  collaboration  with  Ministry  of  Textiles,  Cultural  Departments  of  State  Govts, Folklore and Cultural Studies Departments of various State/ Central Universities.

WZCC, NZCC & NCZCC engage folk artists from their  member  States  including Rajasthan during various cultural activities & programmes organized by them for which they are paid honorarium, TA/DA, boarding & lodging, local transport etc.

(b) Ministry of Culture runs Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) Scheme under which financial support is provided to folk artists of all genres of performing arts viz. musical groups, dance groups, theatre groups including children theatre, music ensembles etc. Under the  scheme,  the  amount  of  assistance  for  Guru  (leader  of  the  Group)  is  Rs.  15,000/-  per month and for the Shishya is Rs. 2,000-10,000/- per month depending upon the age of the artist.

To promote the traditional fair festivals of the country including Rajasthan, Ministry of Culture runs a scheme viz. Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme (CFPG) under which financial assistance is provided to organizations for organizing Seminars, Conferences, Research,  Workshops,  Festivals,  Exhibitions,  Symposia,  Production  of  Dance,  DramaTheatre, Music etc. The grant released to the organizations located in Rajasthan under this scheme during the last three years is as under:

| Sl. No.   | Year    |   No. of organizations | Amount         |
|-----------|---------|------------------------|----------------|
| i.        | 2022-23 |                     48 | Rs. 81.16 lakh |
| ii.       | 2023-24 |                     58 | Rs. 82.28 lakh |
| iii.      | 2024-25 |                     40 | Rs. 61.55 lakh |

Ministry  of  Culture  through  its  ZCCs  organizes  Rashtriya  Sanskriti  Mahotsavs (RSMs) at national level in the country by providing a platform to a large number of folk artists from all over India including the State of Rajasthan who showcase their talents during the event. Till date, 14 RSMs and 04 Zonal Level RSMs have been organized by the Ministry of Culture. The 14 th RSM was held at Bikaner, Rajasthan from 25 th February to 5 th March, 2023. The event was inaugurated by H.E. the President of India.

The first Zonal Level Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav was organized at Kota, Rajasthan on 5 th September, 2023. The then Hon'ble Vice President of India graced the event.

(c) Does not arise.

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