Government Initiatives to Promote Tribal Culture and Heritage

National, 21 July 2023: In its efforts to safeguard and promote tribal languages, literature, and cultural heritage, the Government of India has taken significant measures. Seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) have been established to organize various cultural activities and programs across the country. These centers work towards preserving and documenting vanishing arts.

Under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, the Ministry of Culture organizes Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavas and a minimum of 42 regional festivals through ZCCs every year. The Government provides Grant-in-aid to support these activities.

Additionally, grants are extended to State Tribal Research Institutes for the development of bilingual primers, preservation of tribal languages, and their promotion. Reputed institutions receive financial assistance under the “Tribal Research Information, Education, Communication, and Events (TRU-ECE)” scheme for research study programs, including documentation of tribal languages and cultures.

As part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has resolved to establish around 750 Eklavya Model Residential Schools to support the education of tribal students. Ten tribal freedom fighters’ museums have also been sanctioned to acknowledge the heroic deeds of tribal people.

To ensure easy access and tracking of funds, the government has launched the ADIGRAMS Portal, monitoring the progress of grants given by the Ministry to states. A searchable digital repository houses research papers, books, reports, folk songs, photos, and videos.

On the occasion of Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15, various programs were organized, including presentations by tribal artists, craft exhibitions, and workshops for tribal children. Such initiatives aim to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of India’s tribal communities.