This Ministry of Culture initiative offers financial support to Buddhist and Tibetan organizations, including monasteries, to help Read More... develop and promote their arts, culture, and research. Read less
Details
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has a special scheme to support the rich heritage of Buddhist and Tibetan arts and culture. This initiative aims to provide much-needed financial help to organizations and monasteries dedicated to preserving and advancing this unique cultural legacy.
The 'Financial Assistance for Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Arts and Culture' scheme is designed to boost the propagation and scientific development of Buddhist and Tibetan traditions, culture, and related research. It supports voluntary organizations and monasteries working in this field.
The scheme primarily targets voluntary Buddhist/Tibetan organizations and monasteries that are actively involved in promoting and researching Buddhist and Tibetan culture. These organizations must be registered and have a proven track record of at least three years of functioning.
This scheme plays a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the distinct artistic and cultural expressions of Buddhist and Tibetan communities. By providing financial aid, it empowers these organizations to carry out vital activities like maintenance, research, documentation, educational initiatives, and even the restoration of heritage buildings, ensuring the continuity of this cultural heritage for future generations.
Objective
Benefits
Financial assistance is given for all or any of the items listed below up to a maximum of ₹30.00 lakhs per year for any single organization:
Sl. No.ItemsMaximum amount per annum1Maintenance (Salary of staff, Off. Exp/Misc. exp)₹5,00,000/-2Research Project on the Promotion of Buddhist/Tibetan Art and Culture₹2,00,000/-3Purchase of books, documentation, and cataloging relating to Buddhism₹5,00,000/-4Award of scholarships to monk/nunnery students₹5,00,000/-5Holding special courses on the promotion of Buddhist/Tibetan Art and Culture₹2,00,000/-6Audio- Visual Recording/ Documentation/ Archiving of the traditional materials for the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist Art & Culture₹5,00,000/-7IT upgradation and IT-enabled Teaching/ Training aids for monastic/nunnery schools₹5,00,000/-8Transport facilities for monastic/nunnery schools and monasteries located in remote areas₹5,00,000/-9Salary of teachers where the organization is running a school imparting monastic/ nunnery education₹5,00,000/-10Repairs, restoration, and renovation of ancient monasteries and Heritage Buildings associated with Buddhism₹30,00,000/-11Construction/Repairs/Extension with toilet and drinking water for Class Rooms, School Buildings, Hostels, and Training Centres which are focused on Buddhist/ Tibetan Art and Culture as well as skill development of traditional crafts for monastic/nunnery school₹30,00,000/-Note 01:In case of the organizations of all-India character and running a school for imparting monastic education, financial assistance may be given beyond the ceiling, on the recommendation of the Expert Advisory Committee, and approved by the Minister (Culture) in consultation with the FA, Ministry of Culture.
Note 02:The maximum grant admissible to an organization would be 75% of the total expenditure to be incurred on any item subject to the maximum ceiling fixed. The remaining 25% expenditure or more should be met by the State Govt./U.T. Administration failing which the grantee organization could contribute the amount from their resources.
Note 03:In the case of North-Eastern States and Sikkim, funding will be shared between the Government of India and the State Government in the ratio of 90:10 respectively failing which the grantee organization could contribute from their own resources.
Sources and references
To apply for this scheme, organizations must meet the following criteria:
Key Considerations:
Interested organizations should submit their applications as follows:
The application form can be downloaded from the official website of the Ministry of Culture: Application Form Link.
All payments under the scheme are made electronically.
Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:
What is the main goal of this scheme?
The scheme aims to provide financial help to Buddhist/Tibetan organizations and monasteries to promote and develop their culture, traditions, and research.
How are payments made to selected organizations?
All payments are processed through electronic fund transfers.
Can an organization get grants for constructing buildings?
Yes, financial assistance can be provided for constructing hostel buildings, classrooms, school buildings, and training centers.
What is the maximum financial assistance an organization can receive annually?
Any single organization can receive financial assistance up to ₹30.00 lakhs per year.
Who is responsible for the grant release process?
The grant is approved based on the appraisal of applications and recommendations from the Expert Advisory Committee, followed by administrative approval and financial clearance from the Ministry of Culture.
What special powers does the Expert Advisory Committee have?
The committee can accept or reject proposals, even if not recommended by state governments. They can also recommend amounts exceeding the usual limit, up to ₹1.00 crore, with proper justification and approval.
How will the grant money be disbursed?
The grant is typically paid in two equal installments. The first is released upon project approval. The second installment is given after the organization submits a duly audited statement of accounts showing the utilization of the entire grant amount, along with the grantee's or state government's share, verified by a Chartered Accountant.
What is the funding share for North-Eastern States and Sikkim?
For these regions, the Government of India and the State Government share the funding in a 90:10 ratio. If the state doesn't meet its share, the grantee organization is expected to contribute.
Which organization should apply?
Organizations focused mainly on Buddhist/Tibetan studies, registered, and functioning for at least three years are eligible.
What is the rule for sharing the total expenditure?
The scheme generally covers up to 75% of the total expenditure for any item, with the remaining 25% or more to be borne by the State Govt./U.T. Administration or the grantee organization.
Which ministry is behind this financial aid program?
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is responsible for this scheme.
Are grants provided on a regular basis?
The grants offered under this scheme are ad-hoc and non-recurring in nature.
Which institutions will be preferred for funding?
Organizations performing well and having the financial means to provide matching funds will be given priority.