The Ministry of Culture administers a number of schemes for the preservation, and promotion of India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage across the country, including in the States of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
For the promotion and conservation of tangible cultural heritage, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the protection and conservation of Centrally Protected Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains. In addition, the Ministry is implementing the Development of Excavation Sites and Heritage Complexes (DESH) Scheme, a Centrally Sponsored Sub-Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026, for the promotion and sustainable development of 15 selected tangible cultural heritage sites across the country. The Ministry also implements the Museum Grant Scheme, under which financial assistance is provided for the development, modernization and digitization of museums at the regional, State and district levels. The State/UT-wise and year-wise details of funds allocated/sanctioned and utilized under the Museum Grant Scheme during the last three financial years, including for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, are given atAnnexure-I.
For the promotion and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, the Ministry implements the Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), which supports the identification, documentation, preservation, safeguarding and promotion of India’s living heritage. The Ministry also implements the Cultural Functions and Production Grant (CFPG) Scheme, under which financial assistance is provided for organizing cultural programmes, performances and production-based activities to promote regional, folk and classical art forms. Further, under the Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) Scheme, financial assistance is provided to eminent gurus and their repertory groups to preserve, promote and transmit India’s classical performing arts through the traditional guru-shishya tradition. These schemes are implemented under the Scheme for Promotion of Art and Culture, a component of the umbrella scheme Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY). Budgetary allocation is made under KSVY and utilized for its various sub-schemes and components.
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today
