Question : Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Scheme

(a) whether the Government is planning to launch ''Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Scheme'' to promote culture and languages of all States in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether an action plan has been drawn for the implementation of ''Ek Bharat
Shreshtha Bharat Scheme'' and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of initiatives taken by the Government under this scheme;

(d) whether a timeline has been set for the implementation of these initiatives and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the details of funds allocated/ proposed for this scheme?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
***
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO. 273 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2016 REGARDING “EK BHARAT
SHRESHTHA BHARAT SCHEME” ASKED BY SHRIMATI KIRRON KHER, HON’BLE MP.
(a) to (d) Yes, Madam. The ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme, aims to
actively enhance interaction between people of diverse cultures living in different
States and UTs in India, with the objective of promoting greater mutual understanding
amongst them. As per the programme, each year, every State/UT would be paired with
another State/UT in India for reciprocal interaction between the people. It is envisaged
through this exchange, that the knowledge of the language, culture, traditions and
practices of different states will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding
between one another, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India. The States
and UTs are to embark on a mission to enhance their cultural, academic and economic
ties by entering into a wide range of mutual engagements with the paired States/UTs
covering the spheres of music, drama, cuisine, language, history, tourism and other
forms of exchange between the people. An indicative list of activities has been drawn up
and circulated to the State Governments / UT Administrations and to the key Central
Ministries. The States/ UTs may choose, evolve and develop their interaction pattern
based on the suggested list as per operational suitability in the course of their
interactions.
(e) For the funding of this programme, States/ UTs/ can earmark or dovetail funds
available under various existing programmes for conducting Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
events.
******