The Financial Assistance for Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Arts and Culture is a scheme initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to support Buddhist/Tibetan organizations. This includes monasteries and voluntary institutions that promote, preserve, and conduct research on Buddhist/Tibetan culture and heritage. The scheme also aims to enhance facilities for spreading awareness and scientific development of these art forms.
Key Objectives
- Financial Support: Aid Buddhist/Tibetan organizations engaged in cultural, artistic, and scientific endeavors.
- Preservation: Support restoration, renovation, and repairs of ancient monasteries and heritage buildings associated with Buddhism.
- Education and Research: Offer scholarships to monk/nunnery students and fund projects on Buddhist/Tibetan arts and culture.
- Skill Development: Encourage training and courses on Buddhist/Tibetan art and crafts.
- Infrastructure Development: Assistance for classrooms, hostels, and training centers.
Benefits
Organizations can receive financial assistance up to ₹30.00 lakhs per year, subject to the following allocation:
| Item | Maximum Amount per Year |
|---|---|
| Maintenance (Salaries, Misc. expenses) | ₹5,00,000/- |
| Research Projects on Buddhist/Tibetan Arts & Culture | ₹2,00,000/- |
| Purchase of Books/Documentation | ₹5,00,000/- |
| Scholarships for Monks/Nunnery Students | ₹5,00,000/- |
| Special Courses on Buddhist/Tibetan Art & Culture | ₹2,00,000/- |
| Audio-Visual Documentation/Archiving | ₹5,00,000/- |
| IT Upgradation for Monastic Schools | ₹5,00,000/- |
| Transport Facilities | ₹5,00,000/- |
| Teachers’ Salaries for Monastic Education | ₹5,00,000/- |
| Renovation of Ancient Monasteries & Heritage Sites | ₹30,00,000/- |
| Construction of Classrooms, Hostels, Toilets, etc. | ₹30,00,000/- |
Special Provisions:
For organizations with an all-India character or projects of outstanding merit, funding may exceed ₹30.00 lakhs, up to a maximum of ₹1 crore, subject to approval by the Expert Advisory Committee and the Ministry of Culture.
Eligibility Criteria
- Registered Organizations:
- Must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or equivalent state legislation.
- Must have been operational for at least three years and focus on Buddhist/Tibetan studies.
- Regional/All-India Character:
- Organizations should be regional or national in scope.
- Non-Duplication:
- Should not be receiving grants from any other source for similar purposes.
- Matching Funds:
- Organizations must contribute 25% of total expenditure (90:10 funding ratio for North-Eastern States and Sikkim).
- Civil Works:
- Eligible for grants to construct or repair classrooms, hostels, and training centers.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Download the Application Form:
- Visit the Ministry of Culture Official Website to download the form.
- Prepare Documents:
- Ensure all required documents (see below) are attached.
- Submit the Application:
- Organizations in North Eastern States, Sikkim, and Ladakh can submit directly to the Ministry of Culture with recommendations from the District Collector/Deputy Commissioner.
- Others must route their applications through the State Government/UT Administration.
- Address for Submission:
- Section Officer, BTI Section, Ministry of Culture, ‘D’ Block, 2nd Floor, Puratatav Bhawan, INA, New Delhi-110023.
Documents Required
- Copy of valid Registration Certificate.
- Copy of Memorandum of Association.
- Audited Accounts for the last three years.
- Annual Reports for the last three years.
- Detailed project proposal with itemized costs and timelines.
- Land/building ownership documents for civil construction projects.
- List of teachers and students (where applicable).
- Copy of PAN Card and bank account details.
- Unique ID from NITI Aayog NGO Darpan portal.
- Utilization Certificate (if applicable).
Inspection & Monitoring
- Annual Inspection:
- Officials from the Ministry of Culture will inspect at least 5% of projects annually.
- State-Level Monitoring:
- State Governments/UT Administrations will also monitor progress.
- Penalties for Misutilization:
- Misuse of grants will result in blacklisting and recovery of funds from the organization’s executive body.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the main objective of this scheme?
To preserve and promote Buddhist/Tibetan art, culture, and heritage. - What is the maximum grant amount available?
₹30.00 lakhs per year, extendable up to ₹1 crore for exceptional cases. - Who can apply under the scheme?
Registered voluntary organizations focusing on Buddhist/Tibetan studies and active for at least three years. - What is the funding ratio for North Eastern States and Sikkim?
90:10 between the Government of India and the State Government. - Can organizations apply for construction projects?
Yes, grants are available for classrooms, hostels, and other infrastructure. - How will the payment be made?
Payments are made through electronic transfer. - Where can I find the application form?
The form is available on the Ministry of Culture website.