Budget proposes to hike Culture Ministry funding by 3.82pc

The Culture Ministry would receive nearly 3.82 per cent more funds in the next fiscal year starting in April as the government has proposed to allocate Rs 2,843 crore to it in the Union Budget presented today.
The ministry was allocated Rs 2,738.47 crore in the previous Budget.
Of the total budgetary allocation, the Archaeological Survey of India would get Rs 974.56 crore, which is 5.42 per cent more than the previous allocation.
For libraries and archives, the government has proposed to allocate Rs 109.18 crore. The provision is for expenditure of the National Archives of India, National Library and Central Reference Library.

For museums, the Centre has proposed to earmark Rs 80.60 crore, 4.77 per cent more than the previous allocation.
The provision is for expenditure of the National Museum, National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property, National Gallery of Modern Art and National Monument Authority/Competent Authority.

The government, however, has reduced fund allocation for centenaries and anniversaries of famous personalities and celebrations from Rs 243.01 crore to Rs 100 crore for 2018-19.
Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana, which comes under the central sector schemes/projects of the ministry, has been allocated Rs 310 crore.
The scheme includes missions and programmes like National Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission & Dandi related projects, scheme of financial assistance for promotion of art and culture, scholarship and fellowship for promotion of art and culture.