(a) the details of the ancient folk culture being conserved in Maharashtra and the details of the schemes being implemented for this purpose;
(b) the details of the places to which these folk cultures are associated;
(c) the amount sanctioned/allocated for this purpose during the last three years; and
(d) the details of the measures taken/being taken to conserve the said folk cultures?
MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) For protection, promotion & conservation of various ancient folk cultures throughout the country including Maharashtra, the Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs). All States of the country are members of one or more ZCC. These ZCCs organize cultural activities/ programmes on regular basis in their member States for which they engage local and rural folk artists. Further, these ZCCs also implement various schemes for the purpose, details of which are at Annexure. Maharashtra is the member State of South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur and West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur.
Various ancient folk art forms being conserved in Maharashtra by the ZCCs are Lavani, Koli, Dhangari Gaja, Dindi, Tamasha, Gondhal, Waghya Murali, Potraj, Wasudev, Korku, Powada, Dandhar, Khadi Gammat, Songi Mukhawate, Dashavtar, Bharud, Gayan, Tumdi, Banjara & Mangala Gouri Geet, Bhajan, Dand Patta (Martial Art), Gan Gaulan, Kirtan, Abhang, Lezim, Dhol, Dahaka, Naman Khele, Kalasutri Bahulya, Savantvadi, Toys, Tarpa Nritya, Natya Sangeet, Chitrakathi, Kolam Dhimsa, Phugri Pinga, Nandi, Zimma Phugdi, Lingo & Pawara Nritya, Bohada, Pingoli & Dashavtar Painting and Bamboo Crafts. Both SCZCC, Nagpur and WZCC, Udaipur organize number of cultural activities/ programmes in their member States for conservation of these ancient folk art forms.
(b) These ancient folk cultures of Maharashtra are associated with places like West Maharashtra, Vidharba, Konkan region, Nasik, Thane, Nanded, Bohada, Bhawada and Marathwada.
(c) No specific funds are sanctioned/ allocated for conservation of ancient folk culture in Maharashtra by this Ministry. Regular annual grant-in-aid is provided to the Zonal Cultural Centres for organizing various programmes and activities including preservation of vanishing art forms. SCZCC, Nagpur and WZCC, Udaipur have spent the following amounts for conservation and preservation of the ancient/ vanishing art forms during the last three years:
Year Amount
(Rs. in lakh)
2019-20 587.29
2020-21 81.60
2021-22 462.79
(d) The Zonal Cultural Centres undertake the following measures to conserve the ancient folk culture:
i. Permanent documentation of various art forms in Print as well as Digital format (both Audio & Visual formats).
ii. Implementation of various schemes viz. Guru Shishya Parampara, Theatre Rejuvenation, Young Talent Awards and National Cultural Exchange Programmes etc.
iii. Providing exposure at Pan India level through performances & exchange programmes being held throughout the country at regular intervals.
ANNEXURE
Annexure referred to in reply to part (a) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. †14 for 18.07.2022
SCHEMES BEING IMPLEMENTED BY ZONAL CULTURAL CENTRES (ZCCs)
i. Award to Young Talented Artistes: The Scheme “Young Talented Artists” is carried out to encourage and recognize the young talents especially in the field of rare art forms. Talented youngsters of the age group of 18-30 years are selected and given a onetime cash award of Rs. 10,000/-.
ii. Guru Shishya Parampara: This scheme envisages transmitting our valued traditions to the coming generations. Disciples are trained under veterans in art forms which are rare and vanishing. Rare and vanishing art forms of the region are identified and eminent exponents are selected to carry out the training programmes in ‘Gurukula’ tradition. The monthly remuneration for Guru – Rs. 7,500/-, Accompanist – Rs. 3,750/- and Pupils - Rs. 1,500/- each for the period of six month to maximum 1 year for one scheme. The names of the Gurus are recommended by the State Cultural Affairs Departments.
iii. Theatre Rejuvenation: To promote theatre activities including stage shows and Production oriented workshops, etc. Honorarium Up to Rs. 30,000/- per show excluding TA & DA is paid. The groups finalized on the basis their credentials as well as the merit of project submitted by them.
iv. Research & Documentation: To preserve promote and propagate vanishing visual and performing art forms including folk, tribal and classical in the field of music, dance, theatre, literature, fine arts etc. in print/ audio – visual media. The art form is finalized in consultation with state Cultural Department.
v. Shilpgram: To promote folk and tribal art and crafts of the zone by organizing seminar, workshops, exhibitions, craft fairs, design development and marketing support to the artisans living in the rural areas.
vi. Octave: To promote and propagate the rich cultural heritage of North East region comprising of eight States namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura to the rest of India.
vii. National Cultural Exchange Programme: It can be termed as the lifeline of the Zonal Cultural Centers. Under this scheme, various festivals of performing arts, exhibitions, yatras etc are organized in member States. Artists from other zones/states are invited to participate in these programmes. Participation of artists from the Zone in festivals held in other parts of the country are also facilitated. Zonal centres also participate in Major festivals happening in member States by arranging performances during these festivals where large number of audience get chance to enjoy and understand art forms of other regions. These festivals provide opportunity to taste and understand various cultures of our country.