Culture plays an important role in the development agenda of any nation.  Firstly, it contributes immensely to economic growth by way of vast employment opportunities.  Secondly, it provides goals in terms of quality of life and meaningful existence as an end to economic growth itself. Culture and creativity manifest themselves in almost all economic, social and cultural activities. Development of Culture should be considered as a catalyst to the economic development. As such Culture cannot be confined to the boundaries of any particular creative sector.  However, it could be recognized that there are certain sectors wherein presence and contribution of culture and creativity are much more dominant and visible.  Elements of the Culture encompass media, films, music, handicrafts, visual arts, performing arts, literature, heritage management, cultural and creative goods and services etc. The Cultural development inter alia includes areas of culture both in tangible and intangible fields. The functional spectrum of the Ministry is rather wide, ranging from generating cultural awareness at the grassroots level to promoting cultural exchanges at an international level.

Mandate and Goals of the Ministry:

The mandate of the Ministry of Culture revolves around the functions like preservation and conservation of Ancient Cultural Heritage and Promotion of Art and Culture both Tangible and Intangible in the Country.  In order to fulfill the above mandate, the Ministry of Culture undertakes the following activities:

  • Maintenance and conservation of the country’s heritage, ancient monuments and historic sites;
  • Promotion of literary, visual and performing arts;
  • Administration of libraries, museums and institutions of anthropology;
  • Maintenance, preservation and conservation of archival records and archival libraries;
  • Research and development in the conservation of cultural property;
  • Observation of centenaries and anniversaries of important national personalities and events;
  • Promotion of institutions and organizations of Buddhist and Tibetan studies;
  • Promotion of institutional and individual initiatives in the field of Art & Culture; and
  • Entering into and implementation of Cultural Agreements and Cultural Exchange Programmes with foreign countries.

Administrative Set up

The administrative set up consists of various Bureaus and Divisions of the Ministry headed by Secretary, with its two Attached offices, six Subordinate offices and 33 Autonomous organizations, which are fully funded by the Government. Apart from these, there are two missions namely National Mission for Manuscripts (started in 2003 – nodal agency IGNCA) and National Mission for Ancient Monuments and Antiquities (started in 2007 – nodal agency ASI). In addition to the programmes for the preservation of India’s Ancient Cultural Heritage, the Ministry is engaged in the activities to encourage and disseminate a variety of contemporary creative arts also.  The Ministry’s basic aim has been to develop ways and means through which the basic cultural and aesthetic sensibilities of the people are sustained and to keep them active and dynamic.

The following are the major offices and the institutions under the Ministry of Culture:

Attached Offices

  • Archeological Survey of India, New Delhi
  • National Archives of India, New Delhi

Subordinate Offices

  • Anthropological Survey of India, Kolkata
  • National Museum, New Delhi
  • National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi
  • National Library, Kolkata
  • Central Reference Library, Kolkata
  • National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property, Lucknow

Autonomous Organizations

  • Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal.
  • National Council of Science Museum, Kolkata
  • Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, New Delhi
  • Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi
  • Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi
  • Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi
  • National School of Drama, New Delhi
  • Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, New Delhi
  • Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi
  • Allahabad Museum, Allahabad
  • Delhi Public Library, New Delhi
  • Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata
  • Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Leh
  • Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi
  • Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
  • Indian Museum, Kolkata
  • Asiatic Society, Kolkata
  • Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
  • Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library, Patna
  • Rampur Raza Library, Rampur
  • Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai
  • National Institute of History of Art Conservation & Museology, New Delhi
  • Nav Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda
  • Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata
  • Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi
  • Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata
  • North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Allahabad
  • North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur
  • North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala
  • South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur
  • South Zone Cultural Center, Thanjavur
  • West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur
  • National Culture Fund (NCF)
  1. 1. Archeological Survey of India (ASI): Archeological Survey of India, an Attached Office of the Ministry of Culture, was established in 1861 with the primary objective of surveying antiquarian remains in this country and their study. Since its establishment the Archeological Survey of India has grown into a large organization having its network through out the country. The main functions of ASI are: preservation, conservation and environmental development of ancient monuments and sites, (including World Heritage Monuments) and antiquities, maintenance of gardens and development of new gardens surrounding 3675 centrally protected monument/ sites and remains. The list of centrally protected monuments includes 19 World Heritage Monuments.   In addition to, maintenance, conservation, and preservation of ancient monuments, ASI undertakes Archaeological Exploration and Excavation regularly. Further ASI is engaged in specialized study of inscription and various phases of Indian architecture through developing its epigraphical research, maintenance of Archaeological Site Museums, and undertaking research and training in different areas of Archaeology. ASI has also taken up an Externally Aided Project “Ajanta – Ellora Conservation and Tourism Development Project” through JBIC (Japan Bank of International Corporation). Furthermore, ASI under International Co-operation has taken up major Conservation Project at TA Prohm Temple in Cambodia. The Project costing Rs.19.57 crore, funded by MEA, was launched in 2004 and the project work is in progress. The Conservation Strategy revolves around the basic concept of conserving both the natural and the built heritage of the temple. ASI is working in close co-operation with Authority for protection of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA) and under the guidance of UNESCO.

Under the relevant provision of the Ancient Monuments Archaeological Sites & Remains Act 1958 & 1959, ASI issued a notification defining the areas upto 100m as prohibited area and further beyond it upto 200m as Regulated area for purpose of mining and construction around the centrally protected monuments. This regulation has been implemented with a view to contain unauthorized constructions and encroachments. It has created awareness amongst the citizens to respect the heritage value of ancient monuments.

For administrative convenience, ASI has 24 Circles, through which its administers the work of preservation and conservation of monuments under its protection. ASI administers two Acts, namely, the Archeological Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.

2. National Archives of India: The National Archives of India is the Central Repository of non-current records of enduring value belonging to the Ministers and Departments of the Government of India.  It also acquires and preserves private papers of eminent Indians and microfilm copies of records of Indian interests from abroad.  It provides facilities for historical research and promotes archival studies on scientific lines through the School of Archival Studies, which runs many courses in this discipline.  It has regional office at Bhopal and record centres at Jaipur, Pondicherry, and Bhubaneswar.

Subordinate Offices

  1. Anthropological Survey of India: Anthropological Survey of India was established in 1945. It conducts bio-cultural investigation on Indian population, collects and preserves documents of scientific interest about the people of India. The Survey through its anthropological research contributes in respect of the biological, social and cultural heritage of the country. Presently, the Anthropological Survey of India is in a reorientation mode to develop infrastructure and equip itself of the technological innovations across the world in order to reap their benefits for the human welfare in this country.
  2. National Museum:  A subordinate office under Ministry of Culture, it is one of the premier museums in the country established in 1949.  The main activities of the museums include (i) Bringing out publication on art and culture; (ii) Acquisition and Conservation of Art Objects; (iii) Organizing exhibitions; (iv) Production of replicas of masterpieces of India sculptures and bronzes; (v) Audio visual and other educational programmes (vi) Setting up of Reprography center. At present, the Museum’s collections include more than 2.06 lakh works of exquisite art, beginning from the prehistoric stage of human existence. There are 31 galleries in the Museum.

3.         National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi:  Founded in 1954, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is a unique institution that represents the evolution and pictorial transformation in the visual arts in India over the last century.  The main objectives of the NGMA are to create an understanding and sensitivity among the Indian Public towards the visual and plastic arts in general, and to promote the development of contemporary Indian art in particular. The collection of NGMA built up primarily through purchase and gifts, comprises of 17,815 paintings, sculptures, graphics and photographs dating back to 1857 and represents about 1742 contemporary artists from all over the country. The NGMA maintains a functional branch at Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall at Mumbai and another branch at Bangalore which has been operationalized recently.  The construction of new Wing of NGMA, New Delhi undertaken by CPWD has also been completed and operationalized in the year 2008-09.

4.      National Library, Kolkata: National Library was established in 1948 with the passing of the Imperial Library Act, 1948.  The National Library has the status of an institution of national importance.  It is engaged in the task of acquisition and conservation of all significant production of printed material. The Library also undertakes the conservation of manuscripts of national importance.  It acts as a referral center purveying full and accurate knowledge of all sources of bibliographical information and participation in international bibliographical activities.  It has a rich collection of Persian, Sanskrit, Arabic and Tamil manuscripts and also rare books.  It is the recipient library under the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954 and the repository library in South Asia.

5.         Central Reference Library (CRL): CRL, Kolkata is engaged in activities like (a) compilation and publication of Indian National Bibliography; which is bibliography of current Indian Publications in Indian languages and in English and (b) compilation and publication of Index Indiana (Roman Script) and Index of articles appearing in current Indian Periodicals in major languages.

6.         National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property, Lucknow: The National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property (NRLC) is a Subordinate Office of the Ministry of Culture and is recognized as a scientific institution of the Government of India.  The aims and objects of the NRLC are to develop the capabilities of different cultural institutions of the country in the conservation of cultural property and provide conservation services to museums, archives, archaeology departments and other similar institutions.  To meet these objects the NRLC imparts training in conservation, carries out research in materials and methods of conservation, disseminates knowledge in conservation, provides library services to conservators and also renders technical advice in the conservation of the cultural property.

Autonomous Organizations:

1.         Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Bhopal: IGRMS, is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.  IGRMS is a Museum conceived as a growing movement to depict the story of human kind in time and space highlighting human biological and cultural evolution with special reference to India and to revitalize the living Museum of the country with its varied tapestry of cultures and community knowledge systems.  It is being developed around general anthropology as its cultural discipline and it seeks to attain its objective by setting up (1) indoor museum with extensive galleries and (2) outdoor complex permanent open-air exhibition.  These two activities are the continuous ones.

2.      National Council of Science Museums (NCSM): NCSM is a premiere institution in the field of science communication, is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, GOI. Primarily engaged in popularizing Science and Technology and enhancing public understanding and appreciation of S&T through a network of science centres, Mobile science Exhibition (MSE) units plethora of activities for public and students in particular, NCSM has now become a trend setter in the field of science communication both at national and international level. Presently, NCSM administers and manages 27 Science Centres /Museums spread across the country and is the world’s largest network of science centres and museums that functions under a single administrative umbrella. NCSM has further set up science centres at Port Blair, Kalimpong, the National Agricultural Science Museum at Delhi, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama Museum at Amritsar, Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium at Kurukshetra, ONGC Golden Jubilee Museum, Dehradun which were handed them over to the respective States/UTs/Organizations. In the XI Plan period, NCSM has envisaged setting up several science centres projects at hand in unrepresented areas and several more are in the pipeline.

3.         Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML), New Delhi: The Museum is responsible for collection of books, newspapers, unpublished references, private papers, photographs, film takes and also translation of important papers relating to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.  It is also responsible for preservation of papers of the National Leaders of Modern India.  NMML maintains (i) a personalia Museum on the life and times of Jawaharlal Nehru; (ii) a Library of books, periodicals and photographs on the history of modern India; (iii) a Manuscript Division which is a repository of unpublished records; and (iv) a Reprography Division, Oral History Division and a Research & Publication Division.  NMML has research fellows in the Centre for Contemporary Studies, who are engaged in advanced researches in social science.

4.         Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA): The Sangeet Natak Akademi was set up in 1953 for the promotion of performing arts.  The Akademi acts at the national level for the promotion and growth of Indian music, dance and drama; for the maintenance of standards of training in the performing arts; for the revival, preservation, documentation and dissemination of materials relating to various forms of music, dance and drama and for the recognition of outstanding artists.  The Akademi has been acquiring art objects pertaining to the performing arts and it maintains a Gallery of Musical Instruments.  SNA also runs to teaching institutions – the Kathak Kendra in New Delhi and the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Akademi in Imphal for imparting  training in Kathak dance and music and Manipur dance and allied arts respectively.

5.         Sahitya Akademi: Sahitya Akademi was set up in 1954 by the Government of India as an autonomous organization fully financed by the Government and is the premier Institution in the country for literary dialogue, publication and promotion and the only institution in the country that undertakes literary activities in twenty-two Indian languages, including English.  The Akademi’s primary objective is for development of Indian literature and to set high literary standards to foster and co-ordinate literary activities in all the Indian languages and to promote through them cultural unity of the country.

6.         Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA):  LKA (National Academy of Art) was set up as an apex cultural body in 1954 to develop and promote visual arts in India.  In the past 54 years of its existence, the Akademi has provided invaluable contribution to the promotion of visual arts in India.  LKA is a national organization to foster and co-ordinate activities in the sphere of creative visual arts, particularly tribal, folk and contemporary arts. It conducts exhibitions, camps/workshops to promote visual arts in addition to providing scholarships to upcoming young artists.

7.         National School of Drama (NSD): NSD was established in 1959 which imparts training and propagates dramatics in the country.  The training in the school is based on a thorough, comprehensive and carefully planned syllabus in which every aspect of theatre-theory is related to practice, and in which all work is ultimately put to test before the public.  NSD is one of the foremost theatre training institutions in the world and the only of its kind of India.  The Repertory Company of NSD is a regular performing wing of the school which visits different parts of the country and gives performance in different parts of the country with its popular plays.

8.      Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT): CCRT is an autonomous organization for linking culture with education. The Centre organizes a variety of programmes for students and teachers all over India to achieve specific objectives for enrichment of Indian educational system. CCRT uses various means in creating an understanding and awareness amongst students about the plurality of the regional cultures of India and integrating the knowledge with education.

9.         Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS):  GSDS was formed in September 1984, and is a fully funded Autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.  GSDS was set up with the basic aims and objectives like preservation, maintenance and up-keep of Gandhi Smriti and Gandhi Darshan Complex and to propagate the life, mission and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi by organizing various socio, educational and cultural programmes.  GSDS organizes exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi conduct workshops, seminars, literary programmes on Gandhian way of life and thoughts. It also organizes programme for women focusing the Gandhian ideals.

10.       Allahabad Museum: The Allahabad Museum, which was taken over by the Government of India in 1986, is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture.  The main activities of the Museum are (i) acquisition of art objects (ii) re-organization of galleries and reserves (iii) enriching the library and photography unit (iv) publication.  The museum also organizes seminars, exhibitions and other educational activities.  It is also engaged in the conservation activity of ancient artifacts, sculptures, coins, paintings, manuscripts etc. by having a conservation laboratory.  Allahabad Museum also organizes seminars, workshops and exhibitions for the general public and the students in particular.

11.       Delhi Public Library (DPL) :  The DPL was established in 1951 and function under the administrative control of the Ministry of Culture.  DPL provides free library and information services to the people of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.  DPL has a big network consisting of a Central Library, a Zonal Library, 3 branches at Patel Nagar, Karol Bagh and Shahdara, 27 sub-branch libraries; 22 libraries at re-settlement colonies; 6 community libraries, 9 reading rooms, a Braille Library and one prisoners library at Central Jail, two Mobile Vans serving 25 points and 29 deposit stations which are run by various Societies/ Associations to serve the urban and rural areas in NCT of Delhi.

12.       Raja Ram Mohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), Kolkata: RRRLF, a fully financed autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, was set up in May 1972.  The Foundation aims to promote and support public library movements in the country by providing adequate library services and by developing reading habits all over the country particularly in rural areas with the active cooperation of the State Library Authorities, Union Territories and Voluntary organizations operating in the field of library services.  The Foundation is promoting library movement and developing library services in all over the country by providing assistance under matching and non-matching schemes.

13.       Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh : The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies was established in the year 1959.  The main objective of the Institute is to develop the multifaceted personality of the students through inculcation of the wisdom of Buddhist thoughts and literature as well as to familiarize them with modern subjects, collections, translation, publication of rare manuscripts and research work relevant to Buddhist studies etc.  The proposal for grant of the status of Deemed University to the CIBS, Leh is under active consideration of the U.G.C.

14.       Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi (CIHTS): The Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies was established in 1967 with a view to educating the youth of Tibet and those in Himalayan border areas of India. The Institute is an autonomous institution fully funded by Government of India.  The Institute has been imparting education in Tibetan Studies, for the last more than 40 years. The Research Section of the Institute makes major contribution in the field of Tantra, Philosophy, Logic, Literature, Grammar, Metaphysics, Texicography and Encyclopedic dictionary.

15.       Victoria Memorial Hall: Victoria Memorial Hall consisting of the Museum of contemporary art continued to collect material and data relevant to a period depicting art history during the freedom struggle.  This Museum is also working as one of the centers of the project of restoration of oil painting of non-Indian origins, being coordinated by the National Museum, New Delhi.

16.       Indian Museum: Indian Museum an autonomous organization of Ministry of Culture is engaged in re-organization and renovation of galleries and also in obtaining ethnographic specimen and techno socio and economic cultural data.  It houses a large number of   priceless ancient precious collections of artifacts and sculptures.  The Museum has six galleries of cultural and scientific sections viz. Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Economic Botany.  These galleries have got their respective artifacts, sculptures inscriptions, coins, terracotta sculptures, pottery vessels, paintings, tribal and cultural objects, etc.

17.       The Asiatic Society, Kolkata: The Asiatic Society founded in 1784 by Sir. William Jones is a unique institution having served as fountainhead of all literary and scientific activities.  The Government has declared the Society as an institution of national importance.  It is engaged in the research of remarkably varied subjects.  The Society also organizes workshops and training programmes, exhibitions, seminars, lectures relating to various subjects.

18.       Salar Jung Museum:   The museum was declared as an Institution of National importance in 1961.  It is a fully funded autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.  It is engaged in conservation, preservation, acquisition of art objects of historical importance and educational activities such as organizing exhibitions, popular lectures, gallery talks, seminars etc. The Museum is engaged in exhibiting its art collection to the visiting public apart from organizing variety of educational and cultural programmes based on the contents of the Museum.

19.       Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library: The Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library, Patna is an institution of National importance and is fully funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The Library is managed by an autonomous Board headed by the Governor of Bihar. It is essentially a research oriented institution possessing 20,615 manuscripts of rare value mainly in different ancient languages and also 2,75,000 printed books including periodicals and over 2000 original and ancient paintings of Mugals, Rajput and Oudh, Iranian & Turkish Schools. In addition to its regular work of acquisition, documentation and research activities it has taken up computerization of catalogue of manuscripts and its vast library collection.

20.       Rampur Raza Library, Rampur: Rampur Raza Library has a unique collection of manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, Pusto, Urdu, Turkish and other languages.  It also has a rich collectin of miniature painting  belonging to the Mongol, mughal, Iranian, Rajput, Kangra, Avadh and company schools and has acquired the valuable Loharu collection.  The Library has a collection of nearly 20,000 Manuscripts, 80, 000 printed books nearly 5,000 miniature paintings and Bhoj Patras etc. It has also a rich collection of 3000 specimens of mater calligraphers of Central Asia, ran and India.

21.       Kalakshetra Foundation: Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale started Kalakhshetra a cultural institution of international repute in the year 1936 as a cultural academy for preservation of traditional values in Indian art especially in the fields of dance and music.  The avowed objective of this institution was to bring about, on the one hand, integration of all art forms and regional variants thereof and to revive the ancient glory of Indian culture and set standards of true art, on the other.

22.       National Museum Institute of History of Art Conservation & Museology: The Institute, an autonomous organization fully funded by the Ministry of Culture, was established as a Society and declared as a Deemed University in 1989.  It is basically an academic institution providing education and training in the specialized area of Art, History, Conservation and Restoration of Artifacts and there display and upkeep in Museums and Archeological sites.  The Institute conducts Post Graduate course and Ph.D courses in various disciplines. It collaborates with other national institutions dealing with the cultural property in order to share material, curatorial/technical expertise and facilities.

23.       Nav Nalanda Mahavihara: Nav Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda Deemed University) is an autonomous organization of Ministry of Culture on principles of education as taught by the Buddha, which was the main theme of imparting education in ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. The Buddhism in general was taught and practiced at Nalanda Mahavihara following the age old Buddhist concept of Pariyatti (theory), Patipatti (practice) and Pativedana (experience) thereby, acquiring knowledge in both mundane and supra-mundane sphere. At present the Mahavihara offers a one-year Certificate course and two-year Diploma courses in Pali, B.A. Hons. In Pali and M.A. courses in Pali, Philosophy, Ancient History, Culture & Archaeology, Buddhist Studies, Tibetan Studies, Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Chinese & Japanese and Buddhism &  Language. Courses leading to the Ph.D degree are also offered. Apart from it, the Mahavihara also implements the schemes/programmes relating to Dictionary Project and Mapping of Nalanda Project. It also maintains and Mahavihara Sanskritik Grama and Xuan Zang Memorial Museum.

24.       Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAI): The institute is an autonomous body, established in 1993 under the Ministry of Culture.  MAKAI is the center for research and training of life and works of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad with the study of social, cultural, political and economic movement in Asia from the middle of the 19th Century onwards, with special emphasis on their links with India. The institution has now started to widen its area of study to the Northeast Region of India, Southeast Asia and China as well. The institute has been shifted to the Maulana Azad Memorabilia Museum in the building at 5 Ashraf Mistry Lane, Kolkata where Maulana Azad resided last in Kolkata.

25.       Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts: IGNCA was established as an autonomous trust in 1987.  It is a center established for encompassing study and experience of all the arts, each form with its own integrity, yet within the dimension of mutual interdependence.  The IGNCA seeks to underpin through its programmes of collection of resource material and fundamental research in the field of the arts and humanities, the inter relationship with the disciplines of science, physical and material metaphysics, anthropology and sociology. The funds for running the academic programmes and meeting the administrative expenditure of the center are met out of the interest and out of the corpus fund.  Funds have also been allotted to the center for its selected projects/schemes and for its building projects.

26.       Zonal Cultural Centres:  Zonal Cultural Centres have been conceptualized with the aim of projecting cultural kinships, which transcend territorial boundaries.  The idea is to arouse and deepen awareness of the local cultures and to show how these merge into zonal identities and eventually into the rich diversity of India’s composite culture.  These centers have already established themselves as a premier agency in the field of promotion, preservation and dissemination of culture in the entire country.  Apart from promoting performing arts, they are also making a significant contribution in the associated field of literary and visual arts. The Seven Zonal Cultural Centres established under this Scheme are: (i) North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala; (ii) Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata; (iii) South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur; (iv) West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur; (v) North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Allahabad; (vi) North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur and (vii) South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur.  The participation of various states in more than one Zonal Cultural Centre according to their cultural linkage is a special feature of the composition of the Zonal Centres.  The ZCCs are engaged in implementing major schemes National Culture Exchange Programme, documentation of vanishing art forms, scheme of theatre rejuvenation, Guru-Shishya Parampara, Shilpgram, participation and Republic Day Folk Dance Festival (Lok Tarang) and organizing crafts fair.

27.       National Culture Fund (NCF): NCF was set up as a trust under Charitable Endowments Act, 1890 through issue of the Gazette Notification; Government of India dated 28th November 1996.  The NCF was established by Ministry of Culture and a corpus fund was provided to NCF in order to encourage participation of corporate sector, NGOs, State Government, Private/ Public Sector and individuals in the endeavor of promoting, protecting and preserving India’s Cultural Heritage, both tangible and intangible.  NCF actively supports activities related to all aspects of intangible heritage.  It is working in active collaboration with organization like the Ramakrishna Mission, Gyan Pravaha, Ramana Maharshi Centre, Manana, Kishkinda Trust amongst others in some chosen fields.  NCF encourages and invites participation and collaboration in furthering the cause of the rich and varied intangible heritage of our country.

Schemes/Other Major Programmes of the Ministry

Apart from the activities carried out through its Attached/ Subordinate Offices and Autonomous institutions, there are many grant-in-aid schemes which are being implemented directly by the Ministry.  The grant-in-aid is given to voluntary Cultural Originations/ individuals in the form of financial assistance who are engaged in the area of promotion of art and culture. These schemes are:

  1. Preservation and Development of the Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas.
  2. Promotion and Dissemination of Tribal/Folk Art and Culture (Dropped in 2008-09).
  3. Preservation and Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Culture and Art.
  4. Scheme for Building Grants to Cultural Organizations.
  5. Financial Assistance to Professional Groups and Individuals for Specified Performing Art Projects.
  6. (i) Financial Assistance to Voluntary Organizations for Celebration of Centenaries/ Anniversaries.

(ii) Scholarships to Young Artists in different Cultural Fields (Non-Plan Scheme).

  1. (i) Award of Senior/ Junior Fellowships to outstanding Artists in the field of Performing, Literary and Plastic Arts.

(ii) Award of Senior/ Junior Fellowships in New Areas related to Culture.

  1. (i) Financial Assistance to persons distinguished in letters, arts and such other walks of life that may be in indigent circumstances and   their dependents.

(ii) Creating National Artists Welfare Funds.

  1. Research Support to Voluntary Organizations engaged in Cultural Activities.
  2. Promotions and Strengthening of Regional and Local Museums.
  3. Financial Assistance to Cultural Organizations with a National Presence.
  4. Financial Assistance to Voluntary Cultural Organizations for Promotion & Preservation of Intangible Heritage of Humanity (Transferred to Sangeet Natak Akademi since 2008-09).

On the advice of Planning Commission, the scheme of Multipurpose Cultural Complexes including those for children is under consideration for its formulation and implementation as a Central Sector Scheme as in the case of Science Museum with effect from 2009-10.

In addition to the above schemes, Ministry of Culture administers the following Plan scheme also:

National Mission for Manuscripts: The National Mission for Manuscripts was launched in February 2003.  This Mission aims at cataloguing, conserving and collecting the invaluable manuscripts from all over the country.  The Mission has already established a network of Manuscripts Resources Centres and Conservation Centres.

In addition to the above schemes, Ministry of Culture has schemes like  Centenaries and Anniversaries (being implemented by Special Cell); Gandhi Peace Prize; Festival of India; Development and maintenance of National Memorials; Delegation under Cultural Exchange Programme. Further, grants are given to institutions /schemes like Shanker International Children Competition; International Cultural Activities and Grant to Indo-friendship Society; Connemara Library; Asiatic Society, Mumbai; Centre for Buddhist Cultural Studies, Tawang Monastery (Arunachal Pradesh); Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamshala; Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok.

Consequent upon the identification of the major thrust areas for the XI Five Year Plan (2007-12), keeping in view the vision for XI Plan by the Ministry, the following new schemes have been introduced from 2007-08.

  1. Scheme for the Safeguarding and Other Protective Measures in the area of Intangible Heritage and Cultural Diversity (arising out of UNESCO Convention).
  2. Awareness creation in the area of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) and Setting up of a National IPR Cell for Creative Artists and Artisans (Dropped).
  3. Plan Scheme for Promotion and Dissemination of Awareness about Indian Culture and Heritage.
  4. Cultural Heritage Volunteers (CHV) Scheme.
  5. Pilot Scheme for Cultural industries.
    1. Centre for Management of Cultural Resources.
    2. Scheme for Modernization of Museums in Metro Cities.
      1. Setting up of a National Mission on Libraries, leading to the formation of a Commission.
      2. Development of Jallianwala Bagh Memorial.
      3. Fellowships to Scholars for Flexible Engagement in knowledge Institutions under the Ministry of Culture (FM’s Budget Announcement-2007-08)