(a) Whether there is a proposal to create a separate National Heritage Fund;
(b) If so, the details thereof; and
(c) If not, the reasons therefor ?
(a) Whether there is a proposal to create a separate National Heritage Fund;
(b) If so, the details thereof; and
(c) If not, the reasons therefor ?
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM & CULTURE (SHRI ANANTH KUMAR)
(a) to (c) There is no need to set up a National Heritage Fund as a National Culture Fund is already in existence from 28.11.1996. Individuals and organisations including Corporate entities can collaborate with the National Culture Fund (NCF) in conceiving, developing and implementing projects for conserving heritage sites and for improving the infrastructure at these sites. Contributions to NCF are eligible for cent per cent tax deduction under Section 80(G) 2 of the Income Tax. The normal practice is that NCF enters into a Memorandum of Understanding with the partner who wishes to collaborate. The MoU specifies scope of the project, its duration and the terms and conditions of such collaboration. All contributions for a project are deposited in a separate bank account and the funds are operated jointly by a representative of the NCF and of the partner based on the decisions of the Project Implementation Committee. The Project Implementation Committee has representation of the NCF and specialised agencies like Archaeological Survey of India and the corporate partner.