The Government of India has launched the Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar (MGMD) Programme to map and document all villages. The web portal for MGMD was inaugurated on 27.07.2023, aiming to compile comprehensive information about Indian villages.
The information is categorized into seven broad sections:
- Arts and Crafts Village
- Ecologically Oriented Village
- Scholastic Village linked with Textual and Scriptural Traditions of India
- Epic Village linked with Ramayana, Mahabharata, and/or Puranic legends and oral epics
- Historical Village linked with Local and National History
- Architectural Heritage Village
- Any other characteristic needing highlighting
Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture
The Ministry of Culture implements a Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture, consisting of 08 components. The financial outlay is Rs. 353.46 Crores for a period of five financial years (2021-2022 to 2025-2026). The components include support for cultural organizations, seminars, conferences, research, festivals, exhibitions, and infrastructure development.
Components of Financial Assistance Scheme:
- National Cultural Organizations Support
- Objective: Disseminate and propagate art & culture at the national/international level.
- Quantum of Assistance: Up to Rs. 1 Crore.
- Cultural Functions, Performing Arts, and Seminars
- Objective: Financial support for cultural activities.
- Maximum Grant: Rs. 5 Lakh (can be increased to Rs. 20 Lakh under exceptional circumstances).
- Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas
- Objective: Promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the Himalayas.
- Quantum of Funding: Rs. 10.00 lakhs to Rs. 30.00 lakhs.
- Buddhist/Tibetan Cultural Organizations
- Objective: Support Buddhist/Tibetan cultural and tradition propagation.
- Quantum of Funding: Rs. 30.00 lakhs to Rs. 1.00 crore.
- Creation of Cultural Infrastructure
- Objective: Develop cultural infrastructure.
- Maximum Grant: Up to Rs. 50 Lakh (metro cities) and Rs. 25 Lakh (non-metro cities).
- Audio-Visual Enhancement for Cultural Activities
- Objective: Provide financial assistance for audio-visual equipment.
- Maximum Assistance: Audio – Rs. 1.00 crore, Audio+Video – Rs. 1.50 crore.
- Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Objective: Preserve and promote intangible cultural heritage.
- Launched in 2013.
- Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs Support
- Objective: Assistance for organizing ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs’ by the Ministry of Culture.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava
The Government celebrated Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava from 15th August 2022 to 15th August 2023. The Mahotsav highlighted events such as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, campaigns on forts and caves, commemorations of historical events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Bose.
Key Events:
- Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
- Highlighted the contribution of Tribal freedom fighters.
- Campaigns: Qila aur Kahaniya, Wonder Caves.
- Jallianwala Bagh Centenary
- Commemorated from 13.4.2019 to 13.4.2020.
- Inauguration of renovated Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial on 28.8.2021.
- 125th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhash Bose
- Celebrated from 23rd January, 2021, to 23rd January, 2023.
- Unveiling of a 28ft statue near India Gate on September 8, 2022.
- Declaration of 23rd January as Parakram Divas.
Conclusion
These government initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of India through various schemes and programs.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the objective of the Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar (MGMD) Programme?
- A. Financial support for cultural organizations
- B. Compilation of information about Indian villages
- C. Preservation of intangible cultural heritage
- D. Promotion of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs
- Answer: B
2. What is the financial outlay approved for the Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture?
- A. Rs. 5 Crores
- B. Rs. 200 Crores
- C. Rs. 353.46 Crores
- D. Rs. 50 Crores
- Answer: C
3. Which campaign was launched under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava to highlight the contribution of Tribal freedom fighters?
- A. Qila aur Kahaniya
- B. Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs
- C. Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
- D. Wonder Caves
- Answer: C
4. When was the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial inaugurated after renovation?
- A. 15th August 2022
- B. 13th April 2019
- C. 28th August 2021
- D. 12th March 2021
- Answer: C
5. What is the maximum grant provided under the scheme component for the creation of cultural infrastructure in metro cities?
- A. Rs. 1 Crore
- B. Rs. 5 Crore
- C. Rs. 50 Lakh
- D. Rs. 20 Lakh
- Answer: C