(a) the details of the schemes including welfare schemes under implementation for theatre and drama artists in the country;
(b) the financial assistance given to each State/Union Territory under the schemes to these artists during each of the last three years and the current year; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for revival of traditional drama theatres in the country?
MINISTER OF CULTURE (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS
(a) to (c) OF LOK SABK STARRED QUESTION NO. 23 FOR 8TH JULY, 2014.
(a) Ministry of Culture administers Schemes known as Performing Arts Grants Sche Scholarship/ Fellowship Scheme and Artistes Pension & Welfare Fund Scheme under which financial assistance is granted to the performing artistes including theatre and drama artists. The details of these Schemes are available on official web-site of Ministry of Culture i.e. www.indiculture.nic.in
(b) No financial assistance is being given directly to State Governments/Union Territories under these Schemes. However, details of financial assistance granted to the individuals artistes / not-for-profit cultural organizations under the aforesaid Schemes during the last 3 years and the current year are given (State / Union Territory-wise) at Annexure-I, II & III.
(c) National School of Drama(NSD), an autonomous body under control of Ministry of Culture is taking various steps for preservation and promotion of traditional drama theatre. For this purpose, under the Out-reach /Extension Programme, production oriented theatre workshops are conducted across the country in collaboration with the local theatre groups and plays are also performed, as part of these workshops. NSD`s Sanskaar Rang Toli (TIE Company) has a biennial event called `Bal Sangam`. This is a festival with a focus on Indian performing folk and traditional theatre arts presented by children practicing these arts, from different regions of the country including rural area. Similarly, `Jashne Bachpan` to showcase children theatre productions is also organized biennially.
Similarly, a Poorvottar Theatre Festival is also organized in the North-East region from time to time with a focus to preserve and promote traditional theatre practices of the North-East region, among other practices.
Further, as part of syllabus curriculum, the students of the NSD aiso visit various regions including North-East of the country and perform & research theatre forms prevalent in these regions, which are quite diverse in nature.
The plays produced by the student as weli as the participants in various workshops across the country are performed and documented by the NSD. These plays are often based on folk and traditional forms.
In addition to the above, NSD also organizes Bharat Rang Mahotsav annually which provides a platform to showcase theatre production including traditional theatre performances from within the country and aboard.
The Zonal Cultural Centers also implement a Scheme called Theatre Rejuvenation Scheme to promote theatre activities including stage shows and Production oriented workshops etc.