Question : Promotion of Cultural Traditions- Folk Arts and Literature

(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate any scheme to promote the cultural traditions, arts, literature, folk arts and songs of rural and tribal areas of the country including Maharashtra and Gujarat which are on the verge of extinction in the country and if so, the details thereof along with the centrally sponsored schemes being implemented by the Government to promote folk artists and to conserve folk songs;

(b) whether the Government has conducted any study in this regard and if so, the details thereof and the outcome thereof;

(c) the State-wise details of the amount allocated/spent in this regard including Maharashtra and Gujarat and the number of persons benefited therefrom; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to set up regional offices, cultural centres/ auditoriums/museums to promote and conserve various cultural folk arts, literature and traditions in the country and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR CULTURE AND
MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST & CLIMATE CHANGE

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) To promote cultural traditions, arts, literature, folk arts and songs of rural and tribal areas of the country including Maharashtra and Gujarat, 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 during the year and the folk artists from all over India are engaged to perform in these activities and programmes.

(b) No, Madam.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) The Government of India has initiated action for setting up of cultural sub-centres of these ZCCs in their member States as per agreed terms and conditions that include land free of cost and also their matching fund contribution. These cultural centres would be under the administrative control and supervision of the respective ZCCs. At present, no proposal for setting up of Regional Office/Cultural Centre in any member State of ZCC has been finalized.