**Subject:** Response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2468 Regarding Recognition of Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts as a Centre of Excellence
**Summary:**
This document summarizes the response provided by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2468, raised on August 4, 2025, by Shri Kodikunnil Suresh. The question concerned the potential recognition of the Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts, Mavelikkara, Kerala, as a Centre of Excellence, given its historical and cultural importance and contributions to Indian fine arts.
The Minister's response indicated that, as of August 4, 2025, there is no proposal under consideration by the Government of India to recognize the Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts as a Centre of Excellence. Consequently, no academic, financial, or institutional support is currently being provided to the college. The response also clarified that there are no plans to undertake scientific conservation and preservation of the ancient Buddha statue located in Mavelikkara.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: A ministry within the Government of India responsible for the preservation and promotion of art and culture.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts, Mavelikkara, Kerala: An art college located in Mavelikkara, Kerala, named after the famous Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. The question seeks to recognize it as a Centre of Excellence.
Centre of Excellence: A status sought for Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts, indicating a high level of quality and expertise.
SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH: A member of Lok Sabha who raised the unstarred question.
Indian fine arts: The field of art to which Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts contributes.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: Minister of Culture and Tourism, who provided the answer to the Lok Sabha question.
Buddha statue, Mavelikkara, Kerala: An ancient statue located in Mavelikkara, Kerala, that the question mentions in the context of scientific conservation and preservation.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2468
TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025
RECOGNITION OF RAJA RAVI VARMA COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AS CENTRE OF
EXCELLENCE
2468. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has any proposal or scope to recognize the Raja Ravi Varma College
of Fine Arts, Mavelikkara, Kerala, as a Centre of Excellence, considering its historical and
cultural significance and contributions to the development of Indian fine arts;
(b) if so, the current status of the proposal and the steps taken/being taken by the Government to
provide academic, financial and institutional support to the college;
(c) whether the Government has any existing schemes or programmes to recognize and promote
institutions of national importance in the field of fine arts and visual culture;
(d) whether the Government proposes to undertake scientific conservation and preservation of
the ancient Buddha statue located in Mavelikkara, which holds archaeological and cultural value;
and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (e) No Sir. At present, there is no proposal under consideration.