Parliament Question: Cultural preservation in Odisha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-26 ANSWERED ON- 29/01/2026 CULTURAL PRESERVATION IN ODISHA 26. DR. SASMIT PATRA: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government recognises neglect of cultural preservation efforts in tribal and heritage-rich districts such as Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj and Kandhamal; (b) the details of cultural documentation, museum development, GI recognition and folk-art support programmes sanctioned in Odisha during the last five years; and (c) whether Government proposes targeted promotion of Southern Odisha’s unique tribal art forms, crafts and sacred sites through enhanced funding and institutional support? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) & (b) To preserve and promote the folk art and culture throughout the country including Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj & Kandhamal of Odisha, the Govt. of India has set up Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Kolkata (an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture). EZCC organizes various cultural activities and programmes on regular basis in its member States including the State of Odisha for which artists are engaged who showcase their talents during the cultural events. These artists are paid honorarium, TA/DA, boarding & lodging, local transport etc. The following documentaries have been made by EZCC to provide training support to artists, the details of which are as under: Sl. No. State Name of the Documentary i. Assam, West Bengal & Odisha Behind the Mask ii. Odisha Gotipua Dance iii. Odisha Saura Painting iv. Odisha Mural Painting v. Odisha Pearls from the Deep (Folk Music Instruments) vi. Odisha Tantric Dimension vii. Odisha Mayurbhanj Chhau viii. Odisha A Tale of Twin Artistry ix. Odisha Sambalpuri Dance x. Odisha Divine Expressions xi. Odisha Folk Wonders of Ganjam xii. Odisha Beyond Popular Gaze (depicting some primitive tribes of Odisha)The number of programmes organized by EZCC in Odisha during the last five years are as under: Sl. No. Year Number of programmes i. 2020-21 39 ii. 2021-22 12 iii. 2022-23 41 iv. 2023-24 31 v. 2024-25 40 (c) EZCC regularly organizes programmes in Southern Odisha to promote unique tribal art forms and crafts of its various districts like Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Nuapada. *****