Parliament Question: Promotion of Sangli’s Cultural Heritage

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3593 ANSWERED ON 10.8.2026 PROMOTION OF SANGLI’S CULTURAL HERITAGE 3593. Shri VishaldadaPrakashbapu Patil: Will the MINISTER OF CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has considered developing Sangli into a cultural tourism destination, with regard to its theatre tradition and Miraj’s internationally acclaimed instrument making tradition; (b) the details of number of applications received,approved, rejected and pending under the Cultural Function and Production Grant scheme, from theatre organisations in Sangli, along with reasons for rejection or pendency; (c) whether the Government has assessed the impact of GI tags granted to Miraj’s Sitar and Tanpura on production, sales, exports and livelihoods of artisans, if so, the findings thereof; (d) whether Sangli’s theatre and Miraj’s instrument-making heritage have been considered under national cultural promotion or tourism initiatives, if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether the Government proposes any assistance to help theatre organisations avail the cultural grants of the Central government, considering Sangli's reputation as "Natya Pandhari"? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) Whenever state government apply for support in suitable template under a scheme, support is extended. Currently, no such proposal is under consideration in the Ministry. (b) As per the Scheme guidelines under Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme (CFPGS), the proposals are received for organizing cultural programmes and activities from eligible NGOs, Trusts, Societies and Universities from across the country, including the State of Maharashtra throughout the year. Further, no district-wise list of applications received under the scheme is maintained in the Ministry. The details of the number of applications received, approved, rejected and pending during financial year 2025-26 is as under:-Total number of Number of Applications Number of Applications Pending applications Recommenced by the Expert Rejected by the Expert received Committee Committee 4380 692 3688 -- The Expert Committee evaluates these applications and recommends financial assistance based on their cultural profile, quality of proposal and submission of other requisite mandatory documents by these organizations as laid down in the guidelines of the scheme. (c) No such impact assessment has been done by the Ministry. However, the GI tag plays a vital role to stimulate the local economy by serving as economic catalysts by creating jobs with the promotion of culinary, tourism etc. It empowers local communities while preserving their rich cultural heritage. By providing legal protection and promoting these unique regional offerings, GI certification not only safeguards traditional knowledge and practices but also creates sustainable livelihood opportunities, thereby contributing to the country's socio-economic growth. (d) & (e) No such proposal is under consideration. *****