Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The Government promotes the inclusion of Indian classical dances in school education in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which emphasizes art-integrated, experiential and multidisciplinary learning. The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, conducts training programmes for teachers and students of Government and Government-aided schools incorporating Indian classical and folk-dance traditions. In Madhya Pradesh, these programmes include dance forms such as Kathak, Rai, Matki, Karma and Grida. CCRT also has a Regional Centre at Damoh (Madhya Pradesh) for promoting local and regional art forms.
Further, the Sangeet Natak Akademi organizes the Kala Dharohar series comprising lectures, workshops and performances to promote Indian performing arts among school children.
The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) implements the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CTSS) for meritorious students in the age group of 10-14 years studying in recognized schools and children belonging to families practicing traditional performing arts. The Scheme provides specialized training in Indian classical dance and other cultural disciplines. Each scholarship holder receives ₹3,600 per annum along with reimbursement of tuition fees paid to the Guru/Teacher up to ₹9,000 per annum, subject to the Scheme guidelines. The scholarship is initially awarded for two years and is renewable based on satisfactory progress.
Under the CCRT Cultural Talent Search Scholarship (CTSS) Scheme, the number of scholarships awarded in Indian Classical Dance during the last five years across the country is as follows:
| Year | Number of Scholarships Awarded across the country under CTSS scheme |
| 2021-22 | 225 |
| 2022-23 | 178 |
| 2023-24 | 289 |
| 2024-25 | 269 |
| 2025-26 | 313 |
Further, the Ministry of Culture also implements the Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA) Scheme under which scholarships of ₹5,000 per month are provided to young artists in the 18–25 years age group, including those specializing in Indian classical dance, for undergoing advanced training for a period of two years.
The Ministry of Culture promotes Indian classical dances among school students through its autonomous organizations, including CCRT, Sangeet Natak Akademi and Kalakshetra Foundation. The year-wise grants released to these organizations during the last five years are as under:
(Rs. in Cr)
| 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
| 106.94 | 114.81 | 123.62 | 169.55 | 150.61 |
In addition to this, the details of funds released under the Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA) Scheme during the last five years are as under:
| Sl. No. | Financial Year | Amount Released
(Rs. in Cr) |
| 1. | 2021-22 | 3.90 |
| 2. | 2022-23 | 1.19 |
| 3. | 2023-24 | 4.52 |
| 4. | 2024-25 | 3.26 |
| 5. | 2025-26 | 5.38 |
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today
