Scheme Of Financial Assistance For The Preservation And Development Of Cultural Heritage Of The Himalayas

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The “Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas” was launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India to protect, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayan region. The scheme targets regions in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh and focuses on activities such as research, documentation, training, and dissemination of cultural knowledge.

Objectives

  • To promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the Himalayan region.
  • To support activities such as research, documentation, and training in traditional and folk art forms.
  • To enhance awareness through audio-visual dissemination of Himalayan culture.
  • To provide funding for the preservation of manuscripts, literature, and crafts.

Benefits

  1. Financial assistance is provided for the following activities, up to a maximum of ₹10.00 lakhs per year for each organization:
    • Study and research on cultural heritage.
    • Preservation of manuscripts, literature, art, and crafts.
    • Documentation of cultural activities/events like music and dance.
    • Training programs in traditional and folk art.
    • Audio-visual dissemination of Himalayan cultural heritage.
  2. Funding Ratio:
    • 75% of the total expenditure is covered by the Central Government.
    • The remaining 25% must be borne by the State Government, UT Administration, or the grantee organization.
    • For Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the funding ratio is 90:10 between the Central Government and the grantee organization.

Eligibility

  1. Eligible Organizations:
    • Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or the Indian Trust Act, 1882.
    • Colleges and universities with programs related to Himalayan culture.
  2. Experience:
    • Organizations must have been functioning for at least three years.
    • Should have the capacity to undertake research and promote cultural projects.
  3. Preference:
    • Preference is given to organizations that can provide matching funds and those that are actively involved in promoting Himalayan cultural activities.

Grant Details

  1. Nature of Grants:
    • Grants are non-recurring and ad-hoc.
  2. Special Provision:
    • Exceptional projects of outstanding merit may receive grants up to ₹30 lakhs with approval from the Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) and the Ministry of Culture.
  3. Disbursement:
    • Grants are released in two installments:
      • First Installment: 50% upon project approval.
      • Second Installment: 50% upon project completion and submission of audited accounts, utilization certificates, and progress reports.

Application Process

Offline Submission:

  1. Download Application Form:
  2. Prepare Required Documents:
    • Gather and self-attest all necessary documents.
  3. Submit Through State Government:
    • Submit the application along with required documents and recommendations from the State Government or UT Administration.
  4. Direct Submission (for Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh):
    • Organizations in these regions may directly submit applications to the Ministry of Culture with recommendations from the District Collector/Dy. Commissioner.
  5. Send to Ministry Address:
    • Section Officer, BTI Section, Ministry of Culture, Zed Floor, Puratatav Bhawan, D Block, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi-110023.

Documents Required

  1. Copy of valid registration certificate.
  2. Copy of Memorandum of Association.
  3. Copies of audited accounts for the last three years.
  4. Copies of the annual report for the last three years.
  5. Project Report:
    • Detailed description of activities to be undertaken.
    • Cost breakdown and time schedule.
  6. Profile of research personnel (if applicable).
  7. Copy of PAN Card.
  8. Bank details with ECS authorization.
  9. Recommendation from District Authority or State Government.
  10. Unique ID from the NGO Darpan Portal.

Monitoring and Inspection

  1. Annual Inspections:
    • Ministry officials will inspect at least 5% of projects annually.
  2. Monitoring by State Government:
    • District Collectors and State Governments will also monitor projects.
  3. Penalties for Misuse:
    • Recovery of misused funds and blacklisting of organizations.
    • Immovable assets created with grant funds may be taken over by local administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the maximum grant available under this scheme?
    • Up to ₹10.00 lakhs per year, with exceptional cases eligible for grants up to ₹30.00 lakhs.
  2. Who is eligible to apply?
    • Registered voluntary organizations, colleges, and universities with experience in Himalayan cultural activities.
  3. What is the funding ratio for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim?
    • The Central Government funds 90%, and the grantee organization contributes 10%.
  4. How are grants disbursed?
    • In two installments: 50% upon project approval and 50% upon completion and submission of required documents.
  5. What is the role of the Expert Advisory Committee (EAC)?
    • The EAC reviews applications, recommends funding, and decides on exceptional grants.

Sources and References

  1. Ministry of Culture Website
  2. Guidelines Document

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