Parliament Question: Promotion of Mumbai's Diverse Cultural Heritage

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2462 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.08.2026 PROMOTION OF MUMBAI'S DIVERSE CULTURAL HERITAGE

2462. SHRI SANJAY DINA PATIL:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has implemented any special initiatives for promotion of Mumbai's diverse cultural traditions, performing arts, literature, theatre, music and cinema as part of the country's cultural heritage;

(b) the details of grants, fellowships and financial assistance provided to artists, cultural institutions, museums and heritage organisations located in Mumbai during the last three years;

(c) whether the Government has implemented any programmes to preserve and promote the cultural traditions of Marathi, Konkani, Koli and other indigenous communities residing in Mumbai; and

(d) the details of measures taken or proposed to establish additional cultural infrastructure, digital archives and public outreach programmes to preserve and showcase Mumbai's unique cultural identity at the national and international level? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) Yes, the Government, through its autonomous organizations and cultural centres, organizes programmes such as RSM, WAVES, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rajyabhishek Mahotsav, National Vasant Natyotsav and other cultural festivals to promote Mumbai's diverse cultural traditions, theatre, music and cinema. Theatre productions from Mumbai are also showcased at national cultural events. Further, the National School of Drama (NSD) established its Mumbai Centre in November 2025 to expand theatre education, nurture local talent and strengthen linkages between theatre and Mumbai's film and entertainment industry.

(b) The West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC) collaborates with State Governments and other institutions for organizing cultural programmes but does not provide grants directly.

SouthCentral Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC) has extended financial assistance to artists from Mumbai under its schemes and has recommended artists for Padma Awards and other honours. Eligible theatre artistsavail scholarships and fellowships under NSDschemes subject to eligibility. Financial assistance provided to museums in Mumbai

under the Museum Grant Scheme during the last three years is as under:

Financial Year Museum/Organization Amount Released (₹ in lakh) 2023-24 Funds & Properties of the Parsi 64.48 PunchayetBombay, Framji Dadabhoy Alpaiwalla Museum, Mumbai 2024-25 Funds & Properties of the Parsi Punchayet 100.00 Bombay, Framji Dadabhoy Alpaiwalla Museum, Mumbai 2025-26 -- --

(c) The Government promotes Marathi, Konkani, Koli and other traditional art forms through various cultural programmes. SCZCC presents Koli dances and Marathi Sangeet Natak, while WZCC provides platforms for art forms such as Lavani, Gondhal, Powada, Bharud, Vagya Murli and folk theatre of Maharashtra. Sahitya Akademi promotes Marathi and Konkani languages through its literary awards and language development initiatives. NSD, through its academic curriculum, repertory productions, Bharat Rang Mahotsav, workshops and outreach programmes, promotes India's diverse regional, folk and traditional theatre forms.

(d) The Ministry implements the Financial Assistance for Building Grants including Studio Theatres scheme to strengthen cultural infrastructure. Financial assistance released to

organizations in Mumbai during the last three years is as under:

Organization Financial Assistance Released The Company Theatre, ₹10.00 lakh (1st instalment) in 2024-25 and Mumbai ₹14.065 lakh (2nd & final instalment) in 2025-26 Nalanda Dance Research ₹15.00 lakh (2nd & final instalment) in 2024-25 Centre, Mumbai (1st instalment of ₹10.00 lakh released in 2017-18) Further, the establishment of the NSD Mumbai Centre in November 2025 has strengthened theatre infrastructure and education in the region. The Ministry and its organizations also continue to promote Mumbai's cultural heritage through documentation, outreach and cultural programmes organized across the country.

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