Parliament Question: Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsava

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.2272 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.03.2026 Sanatan Rashtra Shankanad Mahotsava 2272 Shri Haris Beeran: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether any clearance was obtained for organizers and speakers before approving ₹63 lakh for 'Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsava' under Centenary and Anniversary Celebrations scheme and if not, the reasons therefor; (b) whether the mandatory Utilization Certificate with unedited recordings as per GFR- 2017was received and actions taken; (c) whether under Rule 238(1) of GFR-2017, recovery of ₹63 lakh with penal interest was initiated for deviation from the approved Vande Mataram objective and the exact notice date; and (d) the names and designations of Expert Committee members who vetted this proposal and whether an inquiry was launched for failing to assess the grantee's agenda before fund release? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) Government of India is commemorating the 150th year of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ from 7 November 2025 to 7 November 2026. This nationwide commemoration, approved by the Union Cabinet and led by the Ministry of Culture, features cultural, educational, and outreach activities to highlight its role in the freedom struggle and national culture.-2- Financial assistance of Rs. 63 lakh was sanctioned to Sanathan Sanstha, Goa for organising programmes under the commemoration of 150th year of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’. The Ministry’s support was aligned to the Vande Mataram commemorative segment. Supported activities funded by Ministry included exhibition, film screening and mass singing in furtherance of commemorative objectives. The Ministry remains committed to implementing the commemoration in a manner that reflects the inclusive, historical and cultural spirit of Vande Mataram. Ministry support aimed to raise awareness of Vande Mataram's historical and cultural significance to encourage public participation in the national commemoration and to share aligned educational content. (b) No Sir. The sanctioned financial assistance has not been released to the organisation so far. As such, the question of submission of utilization certificate does not arise. (c) Not applicable in view of answer to (b) above. (d) Proposals received under various approved commemorations of Ministry are examined by Expert Technical Committee (ETC) under the Chairmanship of Director (Commemoration) and comprising experts in various fields and submit their recommendation to Commemoration Committee under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary (Commemoration). Commemoration Committee then recommends suitable proposals for approval of competent authority. The Ministry’s support to the grantee was aligned solely as per the guidelines of the Commemoration Scheme. The Ministry's role remains strictly thematic, limited to Vande Mataram-related initiatives - upholding the song's inclusive, historical, and cultural legacy - while the other segments of the broader event organized by the organisation were outside the scope of the Ministry’s sanction. * * * * *