(a) whether the Government is sending many cultural groups to different parts of the world for cultural exchange;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the criteria/procedures adopted by the Government to choose such groups; and
(d) the outcome of such cultural exchange programmes?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) Yes Madam.
(b) Ministry of Culture sends cultural groups to various countries under the Festival of India Scheme and support cultural exchange through Indo- Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies Scheme. In addition cultural troupes are also sent by Indian Council for Cultural Relations of Ministry of External Affairs.
(c) The artists and art forms are selected from the empanelled list of artists of Ministry of Culture and Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
(d) Such exchanges promote and expend soft power foot print of India globally and fulfil our existing Cultural Exchanges Programme (CEP) at bilateral level.
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