Parliament Question: Promotion of Indian Classical Dances amongst Students

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3551 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.08.2026 PROMOTION OF INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCES AMONGST STUDENTS †3551. SHRI GYANESHWAR PATIL Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has issued any directions to include various forms of Indian classical dances in the school curriculum in the country, especially in Madhya Pradesh; (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) whether the Government has started any scholarship for meritorious students of schools in Indian classical dances; (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and (e) the details of funds utilized by the Government for promoting Indian classical dances among school students during the last five years, year-wise? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a)&(b) The Government promotes the inclusion of Indian classical dances in school education in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which emphasizes art-integrated, experiential and multidisciplinary learning. The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, conducts training programmes for teachers and students of Government and Government-aided schools incorporating Indian classical and folk- dance traditions. In Madhya Pradesh, these programmes include dance forms such as Kathak, Rai, Matki, Karma and Grida. CCRT also has a Regional Centre at Damoh (Madhya Pradesh) for promoting local and regional art forms. Further, the Sangeet Natak Akademi organizes the Kala Dharohar series comprising lectures, workshops and performances to promote Indian performing arts among school children. (c)&(d) The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) implements the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CTSS) for meritorious students in the age group of 10-14 years studying in recognized schools and children belonging to families practicing traditional performing arts. The Scheme provides specialized training in Indian classical dance and other cultural disciplines. Each scholarship holder receives ₹3,600 per annumalong with reimbursement of tuition fees paid to the Guru/Teacher up to ₹9,000 per annum, subject to the Scheme guidelines. The scholarship is initially awarded for two years and is renewable based on satisfactory progress. Under the CCRT Cultural Talent Search Scholarship (CTSS) Scheme, the number of scholarships awarded in Indian Classical Dance during the last five years across the country is as follows: Year Number of Scholarships Awarded across the country under CTSS scheme 2021-22 225 2022-23 178 2023-24 289 2024-25 269 2025-26 313 Further, the Ministry of Culture also implements the Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA) Scheme under which scholarships of ₹5,000 per month are provided to young artists in the 18–25 years age group, including those specializing in Indian classical dance, for undergoing advanced training for a period of two years. (e) The Ministry of Culture promotes Indian classical dances among school students through its autonomous organizations, including CCRT, Sangeet Natak Akademi and Kalakshetra Foundation. The year-wise grants released to these organizations during the last five years are as under: (Rs. in Cr) 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 106.94 114.81 123.62 169.55 150.61 In addition to this, the details of funds released under the Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA) Scheme during the last five years are as under: Sl. No. Financial Year Amount Released (Rs. in Cr) 1. 2021-22 3.90 2. 2022-23 1.19 3. 2023-24 4.52 4. 2024-25 3.26 5. 2025-26 5.38 *****