Question : Preservation of Culture

(a) whether the Government has any special policy/scheme to preserve the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the country;

(b) if so, the main features of the policy and mechanism set up by the Government for preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage;

(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard along with the measures takenfor various States including Punjab and the outcome thereof; and

(d) the funds allocated and utilised by the Government during the last five years, State/UT-wise including Punjab in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
AND MINISTER OF STATE, CIVIL AVIATION

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) to (c) Yes Madam. The Ministry of culture is responsible for preservation, development and promotion of both tangible and intangible heritage of India, which it implements through its schemes and Organisations located in various States of the country.
With regard to tangible heritage, the Ministry ensures preservation and conservation of centrally protected monuments of national importance through Archaeological Survey of India in terms of provisions contained in the Ancient Monuments & Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and amendments thereunder. Similarly, the Ministry promotes the museum movement in the country through various Museums under its administrative control and also through grant-in-aids under Museum Grant Scheme.

Regarding intangible cultural heritage, the Ministry extends financial support to individuals, groups of individuals and cultural organizations engaged in performing visual and literary arts directly as well as through Organizations under its control. Also, a scheme named “Scheme for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India” was launched in 2013-14, which covers all recognised domains of ICH such as oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage, Performing Arts, Social Practices, rituals and festive events, Knowledge and practices concerning nature and universe, traditional craftsmanship etc.

(d) The Government does not allocate funds State and UT-wise. Funds are provided to the Organizations under the Ministry of Culture located in various parts of the country in the form of grant-in-aid for fulfilling the mandate of the Ministry.