Gujarat misses out on religious, cultural funds by Centre

Gujarat has a rich cultural heritage with many significant temples and religious sites nestled in Saurashtra, north Gujarat and south Gujarat.

However, the central government has revealed that a total of 12 temples in five states have been allocated a grant of ₹15.48 crores under the “financial assistance for allied cultural activity” scheme. Gujarat, with its holy pilgrimage sites like Somnath, Dwarka, Ambaji, and Pavagadh, has not received any funds under this scheme.

While states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, and Haryana have received grants ranging from ₹54 lakhs to ₹90 lakhs for cultural programmes in their temples, Gujarat's prominent pilgrimage sites have been left out. 

The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presented this information in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Aug 1.

The Performance Arts Bureau of the Ministry of Culture offers a financial grant through the financial assistance for allied cultural activities scheme.

This scheme aims to support the creation of assets that enhance audio-visual experiences for cultural activities, ensuring regular live performances, especially during festivals, in venues where large crowds of tourists or visitors gather. Financial aid is available to eligible not-for-profit organisations, state governments, Union Territories, district authorities, and temple trusts.

Status of funds recommended by various states

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