Parliament Question: Mandatory Art Education in Government Schools in Rajasthan

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3492 ANSWERED ON 10.08.2026 Mandatory Art Education in Government Schools in Rajasthan †3492. Shri Kuldeep Indora: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government acknowledges that despite the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) curriculum, mandatory Art Education (Visual Arts and Music) for Classes 1 to 10 in the Government schools of Rajasthan has neither seen effective implementation of the curriculum nor have NCERT textbooks for Classes 3 to 10 and 'Kala Kunj' books for Classes 9-10 been made available, thereby adversely affecting teaching and evaluation and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Central Government has sought any report or clarification from the Government of Rajasthan in this regards and if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of funds released for Art Education under Samagra Shiksha, State-wise; (d) whether the Central Government proposes to coordinate with the States to ensure time-bound curriculum implementation, availability and free distribution of textbooks for Art Education in all Government schools; and (e) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY) (a) to (e): The fundamental principles of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 envisage an integrated and holistic education system across the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, and sports for a multidisciplinary world in order to ensure the unity and integrity of all knowledge. Para 4.7 of NEP 2020 states that Art-integration is a cross-curricular pedagogical approach that utilizes various aspects and forms of art and culture as the basis for learning of concepts across subjects. As a part of the thrust on experiential learning, art-integrated education will be embedded in classroom transactions not only for creating joyful classrooms, but also for imbibing the Indian ethos through integration of Indian art and culture in the teaching and learning process at every level. This art-integrated approach will strengthen the linkages between education and culture.As a follow up of NEP, 2020, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has developed the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE), 2023, based on which the textbooks for Art Education from Grades 3 to 9 have been developed and published. Upon receipt of a request from any State/ UT, NCERT facilitates curriculum implementation and the availability of textbooks, which may be procured by the State for distribution in Government schools. Academic support in the form of teacher training and, wherever required, assistance in the adaptation of the curriculum and textbooks provided by NCERT. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Samagra Shiksha is implemented in partnership with all the States and UTs. Accordingly, the annual plans under Samagra Shiksha are prepared by the States and UTs based on their requirements and priority and this is reflected in their respective Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B). These plans are then appraised and approved by Project Approval Board (PAB) in consultation with the States and UTs as per the programmatic and financial norms of the scheme and the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance from time to time. Funds are allocated to the States/UTs for implementation of various interventions as per the approved AWP&B of the States/UTs considering financial norms, past progress, and resource availability. Thereafter, the Central releases its share in instalments to State/UTs and intervention- wise releases are not made. The expenditure of funds lies within the purview of the State/UT governments based on their requirement as per their priority. Education is a subject under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, and the majority of schools are under the jurisdiction of the respective State/Union Territory Governments. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of the concerned State/UT Government to adopt or adapt the textbooks developed by NCERT, as per their specific requirements. ****