International cultural collaborations and commemoration- centenaries- anniversaries events to feel the heat
Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025-2026, outlining the government’s efforts to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, and invigorate private sector investments. The budget speech drew inspiration from the great Telugu poet Gurajada Appa Rao, emphasizing that “a country is not just its soil, a country is its people.”
The Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, outlined in clause 43, is a notable proposal that aims to provide digital-form Indian language books for school and higher education. This initiative seeks to improve students’ understanding of their subjects.
However, the budget’s allocation for cultural and literary activities has raised concerns. Despite an increase in the budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Culture, with a total outlay of Rs 3,360.96 crore, a significant portion of this amount (Rs 1,278.49 crore) has been allocated to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This move has sparked concerns about the potential misuse of funds for political purposes, particularly in light of recent demands for archaeological surveys at disputed sites.
Furthermore, the budget has reduced funding for events commemorating centenaries and anniversaries, from Rs 110 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 35 crore in 2025-26. However, key celebrations such as the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda and the 75th anniversary of Constitution Day will still receive government support.
Other notable allocations include:
– Rs 156.55 crore for national libraries and archives
– Rs 126.63 crore for museums such as the National Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art
– Rs 198.50 crore for the Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY), a flagship scheme promoting Indian arts and artists
– Rs 60 crore for the National Mission for Manuscripts, a significant increase from previous years
– Rs 22.46 crore for the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, which aims to consolidate cultural activities under a unified digital platform
The government continues to provide significant financial aid to autonomous cultural institutions such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, National School of Drama, and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. These bodies will collectively receive Rs 411.42 crore. Additionally, museums, including the Victoria Memorial and Indian Museum, have been granted Rs 379.58 crore to enhance their exhibits and outreach programmes.
A comparison of the budget allocations for various cultural institutions and initiatives in India for the fiscal years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 reveals some notable trends:
– The Ministry of Culture has received an increase in funding, from Rs 3,260.93 crore in 2024-2025 to Rs 3,360.96 crore in 2025-2026.
– The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has received the major portion of increase in funding, from Rs 1,273.91 crore in 2024-2025 to Rs 1,278.49 crore in 2025-2026.
– International cultural collaborations have seen a significant decrease in funding, from Rs 10.50 crore in 2024-2025 to Rs 4.65 crore in 2025-2026.
– National libraries and archives, museums, and autonomous cultural institutions have received significant increases in funding.
Overall, while the budget provides some support for cultural and literary activities, its allocation and priorities have raised concerns about the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage.
By LRW
