Question : Preservation of Folk Arts and Traditions

(a) whether the Government has any scheme to promote the dying cultural traditions, arts, literature, folk arts and folk songs of the rural and tribal areas of the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has conducted any study in this regard;

(c) if so, the details and the findings thereof along with the details of the funds allocated/spent in this regard during the last three years and the current year State/UT-wise including Maharashtra and kerala; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to set up regional offices, cultural centres/opera houses/museums to promote and protect various cultural folk arts, literature and tradition of the country and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise?

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 folk songs of the rural and tribal areas of the country, 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 to preserve various art forms on regular basis.

(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.