Parliament Question: Preservation and Promotion of Sambalpuri Cultural Heritage

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3506 ANSWERED ON 10.08.2026 PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION OF SAMBALPURI CULTURAL HERITAGE

3506. SHRI PRADEEP PUROHIT:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has undertaken any initiative to document, preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage associated with Sambalpuri handloom weaving, folk music, folk dance and traditional festivals of western Odisha;

(b) whether any proposal has been received for inclusion of these traditions in national or international heritage recognition programmes; and

(c) the details of financial assistance provided for their preservation and promotion during the last five years? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) The Ministry of Culture, through the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), the nodal agency for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), undertakes measures for the documentation, preservation and promotion of India's intangible cultural heritage, including traditional handloom weaving, folk music, folk dance and festivals.

SNA maintains and periodically updates the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage and considers proposals received from communities, State Governments and other stakeholders for inclusion of eligible ICH elements.

With a view to promoting India's living cultural traditions internationally, the Government of India has joined the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

(b) At present, no such proposal is pending consideration with the Ministry.

(c) No dedicated fund has been earmarked specifically for the preservation and promotion of the intangible cultural heritage associated with Sambalpuri handloom weaving, folk music, folk dance and traditional festivals of western Odisha. However, the Ministry of Culture implements various schemes and programmes for the promotion and preservation of traditional art forms and intangible cultural heritage, including the Scheme for Financial Assistance for Allied Cultural Activities, the Cultural Function and Production Grant (CFPG) Scheme, and the Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India.

In addition, organizations such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi, ZCCs extend support for activities such as documentation, research, training, workshops, festivals and other measures for safeguarding eligible intangible cultural traditions across the country.

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