(a) whether the Union Government has prepared any action plan for the preservation and promotion of languages, folk dances, art and culture of the tribals in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(c) the details of the financial assistance given to various agencies/NGOs by the Union Government for the purpose during the last three years?
MINISTER OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND CULTURE (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)
(a) & (b): The Ministry of Culture has a number of programmes to preserve and promote tribal culture and folk art. They include a number of programmes sponsored by the Indira Gandhi Rashtirya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal, Zonal Cultural Centres and the Anthropological Survey of India, Kolkata. Besides, a number of multipurpose cultural complexes have been built in various parts of North-East and the Himalalyan belt. In addition, the Ministry of Culture has other ongoing Schemes including a specific scheme for Preservation and Promoion of Tribal and Folk Art and Culture. Under this scheme, Voluntary organizations, Institutions and Individuals both tribal and non-tribal, who are engaged in the preservation of Tribal and Folk Art and Culture are provided financial assistance.
(c): The details of the financial assistance given to various agencies/NGOs during last three years is as under:
Financial Year Amount released
2001-2002 Rs.95,00,000/- 2002-2003 Rs.95,00,000/- 2003-2004 Rs.59,74,228/-