Question : Conservation of Ancient Folk Tradition and Literature

(a) whether the Government has taken any steps for the promotion and conservation of ancient folk traditions, culture, folk literature including tribal culture and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the funds allocated in this regard to various States, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government has conducted any study to identify endangered cultural groups and if so, the details thereof along with the measures taken to protect these groups;

(d) whether the Government has received any proposal from State Governments during the last three years and the current year for preserving, protecting and promoting culture and traditional art forms of their respective States; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the status of the proposals received along with the time by which the said proposals are likely to be approved?

MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. For promotion and conservation of ancient folk traditions, culture, folk literature including tribal culture, the Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) with headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Allahabad, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur. These ZCCs organize various cultural activities and programmes on regular basis throughout the country. Annual grant-in-aid is provided to all these 7 ZCCs by Government of India for carrying out these activities with details as under and no State/UT-wise funds are provided for this purpose:

(Rs. in lakh)
Sl. No. Name of ZCC 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
1 NZCC, Patiala 612.35 433.39 1412.50
2 WZCC, Udaipur 429.35 652.39 885.15
3 SZCC, Thanjavur 830.66 336.10 560.56
4 EZCC, Kolkata 537.36 456.54 813.659
5 SCZCC, Nagpur 544.19 319.61 1115.00
6 NCZCC, Allahabad 520.37 345.07 517.37
7 NEZCC, Dimapur 771.94 1431.78 1530.10
Total 4246.22 3974.88 6834.330

(c) & (d) No, Madam.

(e) Does not arise.