Parliament Question: Conservation and Promotion of Diverse Cultural Richness

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2740 ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026 CONSERVATION AND PROMOTION OF DIVERSE CULTURAL RICHNESS 2740. SHRI T R BAALU: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state :- (a) whether the Government is contemplating to formulate a new and robust policy framework to conserve and promote the diverse cultural richness of the country; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the action plan for its implementation; and (c) the details of the fund allocated during the current year and utilisation thereof, State/UT-wise? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) and (b) The Government of India, through the Ministry of Culture and its autonomous bodies already has robust policy framework to conserve and promote the diverse cultural richness of the country. The Ministry of Culture administers various schemes viz. Financial Assistance for promotion of art and culture, Repertory Grant, Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art, Museum Grants Scheme, and the Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Various museums under this Ministry also serve as a timeless cultural space, undertake thematic exhibitions, international collaborations, and representation through galleries and digitization efforts to ensure preservation of traditions and customs. Besides, autonomous bodies confers awards such as Sahitya Akademi Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Lalit Kala Akademi Award, Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar etc. The Translation Prize is presented to outstanding book(s) of literary merit published in 24 Indian languages by Sahitya Akademi. In order to expand its reach, Sahitya Akademi also provides Bhasha Samman, in languages other than the ones recognised by it, for which adequate budgetary allocation are made every year. (c) The Ministry administers these above-mentioned Central Sector Schemes to conserve and promote the diverse cultural richness across the country. Specific funds are not allotted to States/UTs. *****