Parliament Question: Shortage of artisans

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4357 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026 SHORTAGE OF ARTISANS 4357 DR. AJEET MADHAVRAO GOPCHADE: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware that several traditional Indian musical instruments are on the verge of extinction, and there is an acute shortage of highly specialized artisans possessing rare skills of crafting and repairing such instruments; (b) whether the shortage of such artisans poses loss to India’s musical heritage and indigenous systems; (c) whether Government proposes to advise State Governments to identify and map such artisans and create database; and (d) whether steps are being considered to promote skill transfer to younger generations and to provide suitable financial and social assistance to ensure their sustainability and dignity? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (d) Government does not have any verifiable data indicating that traditional Indian musical instruments are extinct or on the verge of extinction. However, the Government is aware that many musical instruments face shortage of highly specialised artisans. Recognizing their cultural importance, the Ministry of Culture undertakes several measures for their preservation and promotion through the Zonal Cultural Centres and Sangeet Natak Akademi. The Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture conducts training in heritage instruments and implements Guru–Shishya Parampara programmes for skill transmission, along with providing financial support and recognition through awards such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. The Zonal Cultural Centres identify and document rare instruments, organize training and workshops, promote them through festivals, and provide platforms to artisans for showcasing and sale of instruments. Furthermore, the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre and the Sangeet Natak Akademi have also established museums of rare and extinct instruments. *****