Cultural Grants in Crisis: Ministry’s Funding Cuts Threaten India’s Artistic Legacy

For decades, the Ministry of Culture’s salary and project grants have been a lifeline for India’s vibrant art fraternity. Even when not fully funded, these schemes provided essential monthly support, signalling the Government of India’s recognition of artists’ invaluable contributions to art and culture. Today, however, this vital system feels like a relic of history, with renewal applications facing unprecedented rejection rates that have left senior gurus and performers in distress.

Reliable sources reveal a stark reality this year: approximately 1,800 renewal applications were received for salary grants, but only 900 were approved—a first-time rejection rate of nearly 50%. Key factors include just three expert committee meetings and a roughly 50% budget slash by the Ministry of Finance. This trend is poised to persist, with around 10% of renewals potentially rejected annually, paving the way for fresh applications instead.

The process has drawn sharp criticism from within the community. A senior guru lamented, “In the name of the expert committee, zonal centres were involved this time and destroyed the entire grants selection system.” Several veteran gurus have also opposed the role of Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) authorities, viewing it as a major disruption to time-tested procedures.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi positions Bharat as the Viswaguru, championing Sanatana Dharma, the art fraternity urges an urgent review. India must stand not only for Sanatana Dharma but also for Sanatana Kala Vikas—the eternal growth of our classical arts. Artists call on the leadership to convene the cultural community, restore fair processes, and ensure sustainable support. Without intervention, the soul of Indian heritage risks fading into obscurity.