Question : PROMOTION OF CULTURE IN MAHARASHTRA



(a) whether the Government has taken any measures to protect and to promote the culture in Maharashtra:

(b) if so, the details thereof and the amount spent on it during the last three years; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE(SMT. AMBIKA SONI)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b)&(c): Some of the important measures taken inter-alia are as follows:- Maharashtra is a participating State in the West Zone Cultural Centre and South Central Zone Cultural Centre. Both these ZCCs organize a number of programmes regularly which, inter-alia, include programmes to protect the folk dance and music traditions of Maharashtra.

There are 285 centrally protected monuments under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India in the State of Maharashtra .

During the last three years, following expenditure has been incurred on the centrally protected monuments in Maharashtra:

Year	Amount Spent	(Rupees in lakhs)
2003-04 536.53 2004-05 448.04 2005-06 516.25

A Scheme for financial assistance for `Promotion and Strengthening of Regional and Local Museums` is also operated. The grant released to the State of Maharashtra under this Scheme for the last three years is as under:
Year	Amount Spent	(Rupees in lakhs)
2003-04 11.65 2004-05 16.23 2005-06 25.85

Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation renders assistance to promote the public library movement and service in Maharashtra. Details of amount spent on it during last three years are as under:
Year	Amount Spent	(Rupees in lakhs)
2003-04 91.30 2004-05 193.89 2005-06 203.43

Steps have been initiated to set up an Multipurpose Cultural Complex at Nanded, Maharashtra.

Release of assistance under various other Schemes of the Ministry is also considered on the basis of proposals received from the State from time to time.