The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, through various autonomous bodies has organized a large number of programs recognizing the contributions of various artists in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage of the country. Under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ in celebrations being organized all across the country and the world (both physical and virtual programs), participation of a large number of artists has ensured the recognition of their contribution in the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India. Till date, total 16,089 programs have been organized by the various Ministries and departments under Government of India. Further, total 8,154 programs have been organized by the various State Governments/UT Administrations. Besides, Ministry of Culture also administers various financial grant schemes under which financial assistance is provided to NGOs/individual artists for promotion and development of art and culture, thereby recognizing the contribution of these NGOs and individual artists in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage of the country. The Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) under Ministry of Culture, Government of India are involved in conducting ‘Rashtriya Sankriti Mahotsavs’ (RSMs) in which a large numbers of artists from all over the country are engaged to showcase their talents. So far 11 such RSMs have been conducted at 20 different places in the country. During the last three years, the ZCCs have also organized more than 3000 regional programs involving the participation of large numbers of artists representing the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the country. Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India administers a specific scheme by the name of ‘Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India’ to preserve and promote the rich and diverse Intangible Cultural Heritage of India. The total number of beneficiaries under the Scheme for Pension and Medical Aid to Artistes is 7,832.
The information was given by Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region Shri G. Kishan Reddy in Rajya Sabha today.
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