Lately, the Ministry of Culture has introduced a new set of guidelines for conducting cultural events or activities via virtual or online platforms. This effort comes under the different scheme elements of Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY).
What Instigated This Move?
The Covid-19 pandemic and its ensuing lockdowns had a significant effect on the performing arts and cultural sector. Most in-person exhibitions, events, and performances were either cancelled or postponed due to the global health crisis. One of the many casualties of this circumstance was “Behrupiyas,” a traditional performance art form.
Introducing the New Guidelines
This situation led the government to intervene and come up with a novel solution to salvage this sector. The new guidelines will make it possible for artists to receive benefits under KSVY even if they can’t perform programs in the conventional physical format. These measures guarantee continued financial support to artists during these challenging times.
About Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana
Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) is an umbrella scheme administered by the Ministry of Culture, primarily aimed at promoting art and culture in India. It’s a central sector scheme, meaning it’s entirely funded by the Union government and implemented by the Central Government machinery. Under KSVY, the Ministry sanctions or approves grants for executing various programs or activities that perpetuate the country’s vast cultural heritage.
Different Schemes under KSVY
Numerous schemes are implemented under the KSVY umbrella initiative. Some of them include:
1. Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture: This scheme provides financial aid to nurture art and culture in the country.
2. Scheme of Financial Assistance for Creation of Cultural Infrastructure: Under this scheme, financial resources are allocated for creating infrastructure that facilitates the growth and preservation of cultural artefacts and activities.
3. Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage: This particular framework aims to safeguard and promote the 13 intangible cultural heritage practices of India recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
These schemes have been instrumental in sustaining arts and cultural activities in India and promoting them on a global scale. With the new guidelines in place, the Ministry of Culture has ensured that artists can continue their work and get the resources they need, even in a virtual space during these unprecedented times.
The information in this article is primarily sourced from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India.