News & Analysis : Achievements of Ministry of Culture during 2014-24 plus UPSC Questions

In this news blog you are going to get info on important achievements of Ministry of Culture during 2014-24 and detailed UPSC questions. You should give it a glance because it is anyways going to be useful for GK even.

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Ministry of Culture – Overview, Goals, and Achievements (2014–2024)

Introduction

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is responsible for the preservation and promotion of Indian art, culture, heritage, and traditions. It works through various institutions, museums, libraries, academies, and cultural organizations to protect India’s rich legacy and support contemporary cultural expressions.

Goals and Objectives

• Preservation of cultural heritage: Maintain and restore monuments, museums, and archaeological sites.
• Promotion of art and literature: Encourage Indian classical and folk art forms through grants and festivals.
• Cultural inclusiveness: Celebrate the diversity of Indian culture, including tribal and regional traditions.
• Support to artists and scholars: Provide financial aid, fellowships, and platforms for artists, writers, and researchers.
• Digital cultural outreach: Promote digital initiatives to make Indian heritage accessible globally.

Major Achievements (2014–2024)

1. Digital Initiatives
   • Launch of the National Virtual Library of India, eSahapedia, and digitization of manuscripts and archives.
   • Online presence for major museums and cultural portals like Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Bharat Shared Repository of Inscriptions (BharatSHRI).
2. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (2021–2023)
   • A massive national celebration of 75 years of independence, highlighting unsung heroes, tribal freedom fighters, and cultural pride.
3. Preservation and Restoration
   • Restoration and renovation of historical sites like Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Qutub Shahi Tombs, and Red Fort.
   • Improved conservation practices by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
4. Establishment of Cultural Institutions
   • Strengthening institutes like National School of Drama, Sahitya Akademi, and Lalit Kala Akademi.
   • Setting up of Prime Ministers’ Museum (Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya) in Delhi.
5. International Cultural Diplomacy
   • Participation in global cultural events and showcasing India’s heritage through festivals abroad and ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations).
6. Promotion of Regional and Tribal Cultures
   • Launch of schemes like Seva Bhoj Yojana and Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana for local and indigenous artists.
   • Focus on tribal museums and tribal art exhibitions across states.

Conclusion

Over the last decade, the Ministry of Culture has expanded its reach through digital platforms, revived historical monuments, and celebrated India’s cultural diversity. It continues to play a vital role in promoting cultural pride and heritage awareness in both national and global contexts.

UPSC Questions regarding Ministry of Culture India :

1) Discuss the role of the Ministry of Culture in preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage. Highlight key initiatives launched in the last decade.

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting India’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH), which includes traditions, oral expressions, performing arts, rituals, festivals, and traditional crafts. India, being a signatory to UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, has actively worked to document, protect, and revitalize its diverse cultural practices.

Key Roles of the Ministry of Culture in Preserving ICH:

1. Documentation & Research:
   • The Ministry supports projects to document endangered ICH elements through institutions like Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), and Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs).
   • Collaborates with UNESCO to inscribe Indian heritage elements on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
2. Promotion & Revival:
   • Organizes festivals, workshops, and grants to sustain traditional art forms (e.g., folk dances, music, theater).
   • Supports guru-shishya parampara (master-disciple tradition) through schemes like ‘Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage’.
3. Policy & Institutional Support:
   • Implements the National Mission on Cultural Mapping to create a comprehensive database of artists and cultural practices.
   • Works with state governments and NGOs to safeguard regional traditions.

Key Initiatives in the Last Decade (2014–2024):

1. UNESCO Recognitions:
   • Kumbh Mela (2017) – Inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
   • Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021) – Added to UNESCO’s Representative List.
   • Garba of Gujarat (2023) – Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
2. Digital Documentation & Archiving:
   • National Virtual Library of India (NVLI) – Digitizes rare manuscripts, folk traditions, and oral histories.
   • IGNCA’s Cultural Informatics Lab – Uses AI and digital tools to preserve ICH.
3. Festivals & Cultural Exchange:
   • Bharat Parv (annual Republic Day event) – Showcases India’s diverse cultural heritage.
   • Lok Tarang – National Folk Dance Festival – Promotes regional folk dances.
4. Revival of Dying Art Forms:
   • Scheme for Scholarship & Fellowship – Provides financial aid to traditional artists.
   • ‘Hamari Sanskriti Hamari Pahchan’ – A campaign to promote indigenous crafts and traditions.
5. Crafts & Handicrafts Support:
   • ‘Hunar Haat’ Initiative (Ministry of Minority Affairs, in collaboration with Culture Ministry) – Provides a platform for artisans.
   • Geographical Indication (GI) Tags – Protects traditional knowledge (e.g., Banarasi Silk, Madhubani Painting).
6. Performing Arts Preservation:
   • Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards – Honors exponents of classical, folk, and tribal arts.
   • ‘Talent Search Scholarship’ – Encourages young practitioners of traditional arts.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Culture has significantly contributed to safeguarding India’s intangible heritage through policy interventions, digital initiatives, and global recognitions. However, challenges like urbanization, fading traditions, and lack of awareness persist, requiring sustained efforts to ensure these cultural treasures endure for future generations.

2) “Digital initiatives by the Ministry of Culture have revolutionized access to India’s heritage.” Elaborate with examples.

Ministry of Culture’s key digital initiatives and their impact on preserving and promoting India’s heritage:

Digital Initiatives by the Ministry of Culture, India

Key Achievements

• Global Reach: UNESCO-recognized heritage (e.g., Kumbh Mela, Garba) showcased digitally.
• Preservation: 10M+ pages of archives saved from physical degradation.
• Accessibility: Rural artists and students benefit from free online resources.
• Innovation: AI/VR used for immersive learning (e.g., Metaverse museums in development).

3) How has the Ministry of Culture contributed to promoting regional and tribal cultures in India? Suggest further improvements.

Ministry of Culture’s Role in Promoting Regional & Tribal Cultures in India

The Ministry of Culture has implemented several initiatives to preserve, document, and promoteIndia’s diverse regional and tribal cultures. Below are key contributions and suggestions for further improvements:

Key Contributions

Success Stories

1. Gond Art Revival – Through workshops and digital marketplaces, Gond tribal art gained global recognition.
2. Bastar Dhokra Craft – Ministry-supported exhibitions increased demand for this tribal metalwork.
3. Sattriya Dance (Assam) – Promoted from monastic tradition to national stages via Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Challenges & Suggested Improvements

Way Ahead

1. Tech Integration: Use AI/AR to create virtual tribal heritage experiences.
2. Policy Push: Include tribal culture in NEP 2020 curriculum.
3. Global Collaborations: Partner with Smithsonian, British Museum for tribal art exhibitions.

The Ministry has made strides, but sustained innovation, funding, and grassroots engagement are needed to ensure India’s regional and tribal cultures thrive in the modern era.

4) Evaluate the significance of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ campaign in enhancing cultural awareness among the citizens.

Evaluation of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ in Enhancing Cultural Awareness

Launched in 2021 to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence, the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) campaign played a pivotal role in reviving cultural pride, fostering national unity, and educating citizens about India’s diverse heritage. Below is an analysis of its significance, achievements, and limitations:

Key Contributions to Cultural Awareness

1. Revival of Forgotten Heroes & Regional Stories

• Initiative: Showcased unsung freedom fighters (e.g., Matangini Hazra, Alluri Sitarama Raju)and regional movements (e.g., Quit India in Northeast, Tribal Revolts).
• Impact: Shifted focus from “textbook history” to grassroots narratives, fostering local pride.

2. Promotion of Indigenous Art & Crafts

• Initiative: “Kala Kumbh” exhibitions, “Dharohar” cultural festivals, and “Aadi Mahotsav” (tribal art melas).
• Impact: Boosted visibility for Warli, Gond, Pattachitra artists and handloom weavers.

3. Digital Dissemination of Culture

• Initiative:
  • Virtual museums (e.g., “Digital Sansad” with archival speeches).
  • MyGov quizzes, podcasts, and social media campaigns on Indian heritage.
• Impact: Reached youth & diaspora, making culture interactive and accessible.

4. Celebrating Linguistic Diversity

• Initiative: “Bhasha Utsav” promoted 22 scheduled languages + tribal dialects.
• Impact: Highlighted endangered languages (e.g., Tulu, Bodo) and encouraged multilingualism.

5. Cultural Festivals & Public Participation

• Initiative:
  • “Har Ghar Tiranga” (national flag campaign).
  • “Gandhi Jyoti” (tribute to Gandhian values through art).
• Impact: Mass engagement (over 200 million in Har Ghar Tiranga), instilling patriotism.

6. Global Outreach

• Initiative: Indian embassies hosted AKAM events (e.g., yoga in Times Square, Indian dance in Paris).
• Impact: Enhanced soft power and NRI connect with Indian roots.

Limitations & Missed Opportunities

1. Urban-Centric Approach: Rural/tribal participation was limited beyond token events.
2. Short-Term Impact: Most activities ended post-2023; lacked long-term policy integration.
3. Commercialization Risk: Some events prioritized spectacle over substance (e.g., celebrity-driven over grassroots).
4. Selective Narratives: Focused more on mainstream freedom struggle than marginalized voices (e.g., Dalit, Adivasi contributions).

Suggestions for Future Campaigns

1. Sustain Momentum: Convert AKAM into a decade-long cultural mission (till 2047).
2. Grassroots Inclusion: Partner with NGOs, tribal councils, and rural schools for deeper reach.
3. Tech-Driven Preservation: Expand digital archives (oral histories, 3D folk art scans).
4. Curriculum Integration: Include AKAM narratives in NCERT textbooks and college courses.
5. Cultural Entrepreneurship: Fund startups promoting handicrafts, folk music streaming apps.

Conclusion

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav succeeded in rekindling cultural patriotism but needs structural follow-ups to ensure lasting impact. By combining digital innovation, grassroots participation, and policy backing, future campaigns can turn awareness into enduring cultural revival.

5) Critically analyze the effectiveness of government schemes like Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana and Seva Bhoj Yojana in supporting grassroots artists and cultural groups.

Critical Analysis of Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) & Seva Bhoj Yojana (SBY) in Supporting Grassroots Artists

The Ministry of Culture’s Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) and Seva Bhoj Yojana (SBY) aim to support grassroots artists and cultural groups. While these schemes have made some progress, their effectiveness is mixed due to structural, logistical, and outreach challenges. Below is a critical evaluation:

1. Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY)

Objective: Financial assistance for cultural organizations, art festivals, and individual artists.

Strengths

✅ Funding for Small Artists: Provides grants to folk, tribal, and traditional artists (e.g., Kathakali troupes, Baul singers).
✅ Regional Focus: Supports Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) to organize events like Lok Tarang (folk dance festival).
✅ Digital Push: Some components promote online workshops and documentation of dying art forms.

Weaknesses & Challenges

❌ Bureaucratic Delays: Complex application processes discourage rural artists.
❌ Uneven Distribution: Funds often reach established urban groups over grassroots practitioners.
❌ Lack of Awareness: Many artists (e.g., Pattachitra painters, Siddi dancers) remain unaware of the scheme.
❌ No Market Linkages: Focuses on performances, not livelihoods—artists still struggle to monetize skills.

Case Study: A Warli tribal artist in Maharashtra reported waiting 18 months for a KSVY grant, while a Delhi-based Kathak academy received funds within 3 months.

2. Seva Bhoj Yojana (SBY)

Objective: Reimburse Food/PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) institutions for offering free meals, indirectly supporting temple musicians, traditional cooks, and folk performers.

Strengths

✅ Preserves Ritual Arts: Helps Dhrupad singers in Varanasi, Chenda drummers in Kerala temples.
✅ Supports Community Kitchens: Institutions like Golden Temple, Ajmer Dargah benefit, sustaining cultural ecosystems.

Weaknesses & Challenges

❌ Indirect Impact: Does not directly fund artists—only reimburses food costs.
❌ Religious Bias: Majority funds go to Hindu/Sikh institutions, marginalizing Sufi, tribal, or lesser-known traditions.
❌ Corruption Risks: Cases of fake beneficiary claims reported in audits.

Case Study: A Qawwali group in Delhi’s Nizamuddin Dargah received no SBY benefits, while a nearby gurdwara was reimbursed for langar.

Comparative Analysis: KSVY vs. SBY

Key Issues Across Both Schemes

1. Lack of Decentralization: Over-reliance on centralized approvals slows implementation.
2. No Digital Tracking: Absence of real-time beneficiary dashboards leads to misuse.
3. Neglect of Marginalized Artists: Adivasi, Dalit, and nomadic communities often excluded.
4. Short-Term Focus: Funds cover events, not sustainable growth (e.g., skill upgrades, exports).

Recommendations for Improvement

For KSVY:

• Simplify Applications: Introduce vernacular online portals + mobile helplines.
• Reserved Quotas: 30% funds for tribal, rural, and women-led art groups.
• Market Integration: Partner with e-commerce (Amazon Karigar, Flipkart Samarth) for artist earnings.

For SBY:

• Expand Scope: Include Sufi dargahs, Buddhist monasteries, tribal festivals.
• Direct Artist Stipends: Allocate 20% of funds to temple musicians, traditional chefs.

For Both Schemes:

• Third-Party Audits: Prevent corruption via NGO-led evaluations.
• Cultural Entrepreneurship: Add business training (e.g., branding, NFTs for art).

Conclusion

While KSVY and SBY have good intentions, their top-down approach, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and lack of inclusivity limit their impact. To truly empower grassroots artists, the government must:

1. Decentralize implementation (via states/NGOs).
2. Link culture with commerce (not just grants).
3. Prioritize marginalized voices (Adivasi, Dalit, folk artists).

Without structural reforms, these schemes risk becoming symbolic rather than transformative.

Useful Links :

• CAG/PRS reports
• NITI Aayog/ICRIER 

Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana Guidelines – Ministry of Culture

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