Lok Sabha Question No. 1404 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Financial Assistance Schemes for Traditional Artists
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Balya Mama Suresh Gopinath Mhatre

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. +1404 ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TRADITIONAL ARTISTS

## +1404. Shri Balya Mama Suresh Gopinath Mhatre:

## Will the MINISTER OF CULTURE be pleased to state

- (a) whether the Government has implemented financial assistance schemes for traditional artists in rural areas across the country, if so, the district-wise details thereof for the State of Maharashtra;
- (b)  the  details  of  financial  assistance  schemes  made  available  to  promote  startups  and  innovation related to Art and Culture by the Government;
- (c) whether the Government is providing any financial assistance to promote traditional art and culture on a global level through digital media and online platforms; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof.

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

(a):  The  Ministry  of  Culture  administers  various  Central  Sector  schemes  for  providing  financial assistance to organizations / artists engaged in various forms of performing arts including traditional arts  in  rural  areas  across  the  country  including  the  in  the  State  of  Maharashtra.  The  brief  of  these schemes is given at Annexure - I. The district-wise data of quantum of financial assistance provided to the organizations/artists under various schemes is not maintained. However, the details of number of organizations / artists supported and financial assistance provided in the state of Maharashtra during the last three financial years is given at Annexure - II.

(b) As such no financial scheme is administered at present by Ministry of Culture to promote startup and innovation related to art and culture.

(c) & (d): To promote India's rich cultural heritage on global level, Ministry of Culture implements a scheme titled 'Global Engagement Scheme' to enhance India's image in the global arena in a concerted manner. Currently, 627 Artists/Groups are empanelled with the Ministry. Further, Grant-in Aid to IndoFriendship Cultural Societies is released through Indian Missions abroad to promote traditional art and culture on a global level

## Annexure referred to in reply of part (a) of the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No.+1404

## answered on 09.02.2026

## 1. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PROMOTION OF GURU-SHISHYA PARAMPARA (REPERTORY GRANT)

The  objective  of  this  scheme  component  is  to  provide  financial  support  for  all  genres  of performing arts activities like dramatic groups, theatre groups, music ensembles, children theatre etc. and imparting training of artists by their respective Guru on regular basis in line with Guru-Shishya Parampara. As per the scheme, support is provided to 1 Guru and maximum 18 Shishyas in the field of theatre,  music  &  dance  etc.  The Amount  of  Assistance  for  Guru  is  Rs.15000/-  per  month  and  for Shishya, the same is Rs.2000-10000/-per month depending upon the age of artist.

## 2. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PROMOTION OF ART AND CULTURE: This scheme has following sub-components :

## i. Financial Assistance to Cultural organizations with National Presence

The  objective  of  this  scheme  component  is  to  promote  and  support  cultural  organizations  with national presence involved in promotion of art and culture throughout the country. This grant is given to  such  organizations that have a properly  constituted managing body, registered in India; having a pan-India character with national presence in its operation; adequate working strength; and have spent 1 crore or more during 3 of the last 5  years on cultural activities. The quantum of grant under this scheme is Rs.1.00 crore which can be increased to Rs.5.00 crore in exceptional cases.

## ii. Cultural Function & Production Grant (CFPG)

The objective of this scheme component is to provide financial support to NGOs/ Societies/ Trusts/ Universities  etc.  for  Seminars,  Conference,  Research,  Workshops,  Festivals,  Exhibitions,  Symposia, Production  of  Dance,  Drama-Theatre,  Music  etc.   The  quantum  of  grant  under  this  scheme  is  Rs.5 Lakh for an organization which can be increased to Rs. 20.00 lakhs in exceptional cases.

## iii. Financial  Assistance  for  the  Preservation  &  Development  of  Cultural  Heritage  of  the Himalayas

The  objective  of  this  scheme  component  is  to  promote  and  preserve  the  cultural  heritage  of  the Himalayas  through  research,  training  and  dissemination  through  audio  visual  programmes.  The financial support is provided to the organizations in the States falling under the Himalayan Region i.e. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.  The quantum of grant  is  Rs.10.00  lakh  per  year  for  an  organization  which  can  be  increased  to  Rs.  30.00  lakh  in exceptional cases.

## iv. Financial Assistance for the Preservation & Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Organization

Under this  scheme  component financial  assistance is  provided  to  the  voluntary  Buddhist/Tibetan organizations  including  Monasteries  engaged  in  the  propagation  and  scientific  development  of Buddhist/Tibetan Cultural and tradition and research in related fields. The quantum of funding under scheme component is Rs. 30.00 lakhs per  year  for  an  organization  which  can  be  increased  to  1.00 crore in exceptional cases.

## v. Financial Assistance for Building Grants including Studio Theatres

The objective of this scheme component is to provide financial support to NGO, Trust, Societies, Govt.  Sponsored  bodies,  University,  College  etc. for  creation  of  Cultural  infrastructure  (i.e.  studio theatre,  auditorium,  rehearsal  hall,  classroom  etc.)  and  provision  of  facilities  like  electrical,  air conditioning, acoustics,  light  and  sound  systems  etc.   Under  this  scheme  component,  the  maximum amount of grant is up to Rs.50 Lakh in metro cities and up to Rs.25 Lakh in non- metro cities.

## vi. Domestic Festivals and Fairs

The  objective  of  this  scheme  is  to  provide  assistance  for  holding  the  'Rashtriya  Sanskriti Mahotsavs' organized by Ministry of Culture. Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs (RSMs) are conducted through Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) where a large number of artists from all over the country are engaged to showcase their talents.  From  November,  2015  onwards,  fourteen  (14)  RSMs  have  been organized by Ministry of Culture in the country.

## 3. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TAGORE CULTURAL COMPLEXES (TCC)

The aim of the scheme component is to provide financial support to NGO, Trust, Societies, Govt. Sponsored bodies, State / UT Govt. University, Central/State Govt. agencies/bodies, Municipal

Corporations, reputed not-for-profit organizations etc. for creation of new Large Cultural Spaces such as  Auditorium  with  facilities  and  infrastructure  for  stage  performances  (dance,  drama  and  music), exhibitions,  seminars,  literary  activities,  green  rooms,  etc.   The  Scheme  component  also  provides support  for  restoration,  renovation,  extension,  alteration,  up-gradation,  modernization  of  existing cultural facilities (Rabindra Bhawans, Rangshalas) etc.  Under this scheme component, the financial assistance  for  any  project  will  normally  be  up  to  a  maximum  of  Rs.  15.00  crore.  Central  financial assistance would be 90% of the total approved project cost and remaining 10% of the total approved project  cost  will  be  borne  by  the  recipient  State  Govt./NGO  or  concerned  organization  for  NER Projects and except NER, there is 60:40 ratio for central assistant and state share (matching share).

## 4.   SCHEME  OF  SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP FOR PROMOTION OF ART AND

CULTURE: The scheme consists of following three components:

## i. Scheme for the Award of Fellowship to Outstanding Persons in the field of Culture

Upto 400 fellowships (200 Junior and 200 Senior) are awarded in a batch year to outstanding persons in the age group of 25 to 40 years (Jr.) and above 40 years (Sr.) in different cultural fields @ of Rs. 10,000/- p.m. and 20,000/-p.m. for the period of 2 years for cultural research. The Fellowship is released in four equal six monthly installments.

## ii. Scheme for Scholarships to Young Artistes in Different Cultural Fields

Upto 400 Scholarships are awarded in a batch year. Under this scheme financial assistance is given to young artistes of outstanding promise in the age group of 18-25 years for advanced training within India in the field of Indian Classical Music, Indian Classical Dance, Theatre, Mime, Visual art, Folk, Traditional and Indigenous Arts and Light Classical Music etc. @ Rs. 5,000/- p.m. for 2 years. The Scholarship is released in four equal six-monthly installments.

## iii. Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research

The purpose of the Scheme Component is to invigorate and revitalize the various institutions under  the  Ministry  of  Culture  (MoC)  and  other  identified  cultural  institutions  in  the  country,  by encouraging scholars/ academicians to affiliate themselves with these institutions to work on projects of  mutual  interest.  Upto  15  Fellowships  (Rs.80,000/-  p.m.  +  Contingency  Allowance)  and  25 Scholarships  (Rs.50,000/-  p.m.  +  Contingency  Allowance)  for  a  maximum  period  of  2  Years.  The Fellowship is released in four equal six monthly installments.

## 5.       FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR VETERAN ARTISTS

The objective of this Scheme is to provide financial assistance maximum upto Rs.6.000/- p.m. to the old artistes and scholars aged 60 years above having annual income not exceeding Rs.72,000/who have contributed significantly in their specialized fields of arts, letters etc. In the event of death of the beneficiary, the financial assistance is transferred to his/her spouse.

## 6. Global Engagement Scheme

The objective of this Scheme is to provide artists practicing Indian art forms, an opportunity to perform abroad under the banner of 'Festival of India (FoI)'. Under the Scheme, artists from diverse cultural fields such as Folk Art including Folk Music, Folk Dance, Folk Theatre & Puppetry, Classical and Traditional Dance, Experimental/ Contemporary Dance, Classical/ Semi Classical Music, Theatre etc. perform in the 'Festivals of India' abroad. Under the Scheme, all expenditure on deputation of an artist  for  performing  in  'Festival  of  India'  is  incurred  by  the  Government.  Ministry  of  Culture  has empaneled Artists/Groups under various art forms and Artists are selected from the empaneled list, for performing in the Festivals of India (Fols) abroad.

*****

## Annexure referred to in reply of part (a) of the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No.+1404 answered on 09.02.2026

## Number of beneficiaries and amount disbursed in the state of Maharashtra

| Sl. No.   | Name of the Scheme                                                                | 2022-23                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | 2022-23                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | 2023-24*                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 2023-24*                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 2024-25*                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 2024-25*                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
|-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sl. No.   | Name of the Scheme                                                                | No. of Benefi - ciaries                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Amoun t (Rs. In lakh)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | No. of Benefi - ciaries                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Amoun t (Rs. In lakh)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | No. of Benefi - ciaries                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Amount (Rs. In lakh)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| 1.        | Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)    | 41                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 307.6                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | 97                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 639.72                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | 59                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 333.05                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| 2.        | Financial Assistance to Cultural Organizations with National Presence             | 0                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 0.00                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 15.00                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | 1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 18.75                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| 3.        | Cultural Function and Production Grant                                            | 56                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 104.1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | 34                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 29.64                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | 44                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 97.31                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| 4.        | Financial Assistance for the Development of Buddhist/ Tibetan Culture &Art        | 11                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 38.25                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | 14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 41.00                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | 14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 57.45                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| 5.        | Financial Assistance for Building Grants including Studio Theatres                | 0                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 0                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 8                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 25                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| 6.        | Scheme For the Award of Fellowship to Outstanding Persons in The Field of Culture | 84                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 118.80                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | 85                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 84.00                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | 52                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 78.60                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| 7.        | Scheme for Scholarships to Young Artistes in Different Cultural Fields            | 40                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 12.00                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | 127                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | 38.10                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | 81                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 24.30                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| 8.        | Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists                                          | 740                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | 273.49                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | 1239                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 795.97                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | 1392                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | 541.19                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| 9.        | Global Engagement Scheme                                                          | Currently, 37 Artists/Groups empaneled with the Ministry are from the state of Maharashtra, out of which 7 Artists/Groups have been deputed to perform in the Fols, viz. one each in Oman, Netherlands, Ghana (2016- 17), Qatar (2018-19), South Africa (2019-20) and one each in Freedom 70 events held in Venezuela and | Currently, 37 Artists/Groups empaneled with the Ministry are from the state of Maharashtra, out of which 7 Artists/Groups have been deputed to perform in the Fols, viz. one each in Oman, Netherlands, Ghana (2016- 17), Qatar (2018-19), South Africa (2019-20) and one each in Freedom 70 events held in Venezuela and | Currently, 37 Artists/Groups empaneled with the Ministry are from the state of Maharashtra, out of which 7 Artists/Groups have been deputed to perform in the Fols, viz. one each in Oman, Netherlands, Ghana (2016- 17), Qatar (2018-19), South Africa (2019-20) and one each in Freedom 70 events held in Venezuela and | Currently, 37 Artists/Groups empaneled with the Ministry are from the state of Maharashtra, out of which 7 Artists/Groups have been deputed to perform in the Fols, viz. one each in Oman, Netherlands, Ghana (2016- 17), Qatar (2018-19), South Africa (2019-20) and one each in Freedom 70 events held in Venezuela and | Currently, 37 Artists/Groups empaneled with the Ministry are from the state of Maharashtra, out of which 7 Artists/Groups have been deputed to perform in the Fols, viz. one each in Oman, Netherlands, Ghana (2016- 17), Qatar (2018-19), South Africa (2019-20) and one each in Freedom 70 events held in Venezuela and | Currently, 37 Artists/Groups empaneled with the Ministry are from the state of Maharashtra, out of which 7 Artists/Groups have been deputed to perform in the Fols, viz. one each in Oman, Netherlands, Ghana (2016- 17), Qatar (2018-19), South Africa (2019-20) and one each in Freedom 70 events held in Venezuela and |