The “Financial Assistance for Allied Cultural Activities” scheme is a sub-component of the “Scheme of Financial Assistance for Creation of Cultural Infrastructure” by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance for creating and upgrading audio-visual assets to enhance the experience of cultural performances, especially during festivals and events that draw significant visitors.
Objective
- To support the creation of audio-visual infrastructure to enhance cultural activities.
- To provide live cultural experiences during festivals and events.
- To promote allied cultural activities in areas frequented by tourists and visitors.
Benefits
- Maximum Assistance:
- Audio Equipment: ₹1 crore.
- Audio + Video Equipment: ₹1.5 crore.
- Non-recurring nature:
- All grants are non-recurring. Recurring expenditures, such as operational costs, must be borne by the organization.
- Matching Share:
- The Government provides 90% of the project cost, while the remaining 10% is to be borne by the organization.
- Operation & Maintenance (O&M):
- Includes O&M costs for up to five years, subject to the prescribed monetary ceiling.
Eligibility
Eligible Projects:
- Procurement of audio-video equipment, including:
- Microphones, transmitters, power conditioners, audio mixers.
- Broadcast-quality video cameras, amplifiers, LED display controllers, etc.
Eligible Organizations:
- Organizations engaged in allied cultural activities for the past three years.
- Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or as a Trust or Not-for-Profit Company.
- Must submit a recommendation letter from District Authorities or State/UT Governments.
Sanction and Release of Grant
Grant Release Process:
- First Installment (60%):
- Released upon approval of the project proposal.
- Second Installment (40%):
- Released after:
- Submission of physical and financial progress reports.
- Submission of audited statements and utilization certificates.
- Successful physical inspection by the Ministry or National Science Centre.
- Released after:
Conditions of Grant
- Separate Accounts:
- Maintain accounts for grants released by the Government.
- Project Completion:
- Projects must be completed within one year from the release of the first installment.
- Physical Inspection:
- The project site and accounts are open to inspection by the Ministry or authorized representatives.
- Audit:
- Accounts are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
- Bond Execution:
- Grantee organizations must execute a bond with conditions to avoid diversion of funds.
- Asset Utilization:
- Assets acquired must not be leased or sold without Government approval.
Application Process
Offline Process:
- Application Submission:
- Submit the application along with all required documents to:
- The Director, National Science Centre, Near Gate No. 1, Bhairon Road, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi-110001.
- Submit the application along with all required documents to:
- Registration on NGO Darpan Portal:
- Register on NGO Darpan Portal to obtain a Unique ID.
Evaluation Process:
- Scrutiny:
- Applications are scrutinized for completeness.
- Technical Appraisal:
- Equipment proposals are reviewed by the National Science Centre (NSC).
- Expert Committee:
- Proposals are evaluated by an Expert Committee chaired by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture.
Documents Required
- Project Proposal:
- Organization’s profile and project details.
- Rationale, cost estimates, and sources of matching funds.
- Registration Certificate:
- Certificate under the Societies Registration Act or equivalent.
- Memorandum of Association:
- Including Rules & Regulations.
- Financial Records:
- Audited financial statements for the last three years.
- Recommendations:
- Letter from District Authorities or State/UT Governments.
- Additional Documents:
- PAN Card, bank account details, and project-related invoices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the primary objective of the scheme?
To support organizations in creating assets for enhancing cultural activities through audio-visual equipment. - Who can apply for this scheme?
Not-for-profit organizations registered under relevant acts and involved in cultural activities for at least three years. - What is the maximum financial assistance provided?
₹1 crore for audio equipment and ₹1.5 crore for audio + video equipment. - How can organizations apply?
By submitting a duly filled application form and supporting documents to the National Science Centre, New Delhi. - What is the role of NGO Darpan Portal?
Organizations must register on the portal to obtain a Unique ID before applying. - What happens if the project is not completed within a year?
Grants may be canceled, and funds recovered if the project exceeds the stipulated timeline.