Parliament Question: Establishment of Central Tribal Cultural Library in Kandhamal

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3646 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025 ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRAL TRIBAL CULTURAL LIBRARY IN KANDHAMAL 3646. SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI. Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: a) whether the Government proposes to establish a Central Library dedicated to tribal culture and a Tribal Museum in Kandhamal district of Odisha, in view of its rich tribal heritage and status as a Scheduled District; b) if so, the details thereof including the current project status, estimated cost, and proposed timelines for completion; c) whether the Government has received any proposal from the State Government of Odisha or the local district administration for the same; and d) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to promote the preservation, documentation, and dissemination of tribal art, culture, and traditional knowledge systems through such institutions, including support extended to recognized cultural troupes such as: Dharani Penu Sanskrutika Nrutya Sangha, Upakhanda Kalakara Sangha, Paramparika Kui Sanskruti Pitarpi, Banabasi Kala Sanskrutika Bikash Parishad etc.? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (b) As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, ‘Library’ is a State subject under the Seventh Schedule. Accordingly, public libraries fall under the administrative jurisdiction of the respective State / Union Territory Governments. Therefore, the establishment of a Central Library does not fall within the mandate of the Ministry of Culture. (c) No proposal has been received from the State Government of Odisha or the local district administration for the establishment of a Central Library dedicated to tribal culture or a Tribal Museum in Kandhamal district of Odisha. However, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)’, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has approved a proposal from the State Government of Odisha for setting up a Tribal Research and Development Centre in Mayurbhanj district and has sanctioned an amount of ₹20.00 crore for the same. (d) Details are attached at Annexure- A.Annexure-A Annexure referred to in reply to part (d) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No.3646 for reply on 11th August, 2025 regarding “Establishment of Central Tribal Cultural Library in Kandhamal”. Ministry of Culture The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, under the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme, provides stipends to one Guru and 15–20 Shishyas for a period ranging from six months to two years. The objective of the scheme is to preserve and promote ancient folk and tribal cultural traditions through traditional systems of knowledge transmission. Through its Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Kolkata, the Ministry actively promotes the rich and diverse tribal and folk heritage of Odisha by organizing a range of cultural events. These include Odisha Parba in New Delhi, Folk Fair in Puri, National Tribal/Folk Dance and Music Festivals at various locations across Odisha, Chilika Shelduck Folk Carnival at Barkul, Chilika, and the All India Multilingual Drama and Dance Festival at Rourkela. In addition, workshops are conducted to revive endangered folk and tribal art forms and to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the artists and artisans. EZCC, Kolkata, also undertakes systematic documentation of tribal and folk art forms to ensure accessibility, research, and awareness. Notable documented works include Bali Yatra, Mural Paintings of Odisha, Folk Wonders of Ganjam, Gotipua Dances of Odisha, Sambalpuri Dance of Odisha, Beyond Popular Gaze (depicting primitive tribes of Odisha), Pearls from the Deep (folk musical instruments of Odisha), and Tantric Dimension of Odissi Dance, among others. The tribal culture of Odisha is also showcased at Srijani Shilpgram, Shantiniketan, West Bengal, through permanent displays of tribal costumes, musical instruments, utensils, and deities belonging to various tribal communities of the state. Further, EZCC regularly deputes cultural troupes from Odisha to participate in folk festivals across the country, enhancing national exposure and appreciation of Odisha's tribal heritage. In addition, products made by folk and tribal communities of Odisha are displayed and sold at fairs and exhibitions organized by the Ministry of Culture through its regional cultural centres, thereby supporting economic empowerment of the communities while preserving their cultural legacy. Ministry of Tribal Affairs The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)’, provides financial assistance to 29 Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) functioning across various States and Union Territories, including the Tribal Research Institute, Odisha. The financial support is extended based on the Annual Action Plans submitted by the respective State Governments/UT Administrations, subject to the approval of the Apex Committee chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs. TRIs operate under the administrative control of the respective State Governments or UT Administrations and serve as the nodal institutions for tribal research, documentation, preservation, and promotion of tribal culture. Under the “Support to TRIs” scheme, the Ministry supports proposals related to infrastructure development, research and documentation, training and capacity-building programmes, and the organization oftribal festivals, yatras, and exchange visits. These initiatives aim to promote tribal cultural practices, languages, and rituals, ensuring their preservation and dissemination among communities and the wider public.