Parliament Question: Recognition of Odissi sangeet

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2279 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.03.2026 RECOGNITION OF ODISSI SANGEET 2279. SHRI SUBHASISH KHUNTIA: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has examined the long-pending proposal for recognising Odissi sangeet as a classical music tradition and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (b) whether any criteria or expert recommendations exist for recognition of classical music traditions and if so, the basis on which Odissi sangeet has not been accorded such status; (c) whether consultations have been held with Odisha-based experts or institutions; and (d) whether any timeline is proposed for a final decision and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) The Government does not confer classical status to any musical form. However, the Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, regularly organizes music festivals, workshops, seminars, and honours artists in the category of Other Major Traditions of Music form of Odissa (b) to (d) The Question does not arise. ***