(a) whether the Government has impressed upon existing Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) in the country to update their functioning and programmes in view of the emergence of new facilities and technologies in the world of art, culture and entertainment; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the present status thereof, State/UT-wise including Andhra Pradesh?
MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FORCULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) The ZCCs have already taken initiatives to update their functioning and programmes in view of the emergence of the new facilities and technologies in the world of art, culture & entertainment. The steps taken/being taken by the ZCCs in this direction, in respect of all States/ Union Territories including the State of Andhra Pradesh, inter-alia, are as under:
(i) Online transfer of payments to artistes and artisans; (ii) Use of E-mails, SMS and social media; (iii) Centralized data collection of artistes and artisans; (iv) Updating websites with facilities such as online applications for registration of artistes, craft melas etc.; (v) Reaching out to the maximum number of people through visual and social media; (vi) Arranging programmes by using advanced audio, light and other technologieswithout compromising traditional way of presentation; (vii) Audio/Video documentation of various art forms etc.; (viii) Telecasting of the programmes.