Why in the News?
The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided information about the Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) in Lok Sabha.
About Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs):
| About | • Set up by the Ministry of Culture to promote and preserve cultural heritage. • Established in 1985, with operations beginning in 1986-87. • Seven ZCCs located in Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur, and Thanjavur. |
| Aims and Objectives | • Preserving and promoting regional folk, tribal, and traditional arts. • Enhancing and celebrating India’s cultural diversity. • Encouraging folk & tribal arts and promoting cultural education. • Involving youth in creative cultural programs. • Strengthening linkages between different regions of India to showcase their contribution to Indian culture. |
| Implementation and Structural Mandate | • Government allocated Rs. 10 crore to each ZCC during the 7th and 10th Plans. • Free land provided by state governments for ZCC headquarters. • Organizes Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM) and regional festivals to promote cultural engagement. • 42 regional festivals organized annually, 14 RSMs since 2015. |
| Significance | • Strengthens cultural unity across India and preserves regional cultures. • Provides platforms for youth to engage in cultural activities. • Promotes national integration through events bringing together artists from different regions. • Contributes to economic development through tourism and employment. |
PYQ:[2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution? 1. National Development Council 2. Planning Commission 3. Zonal Councils Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
