Financial Assistance For Development Of Buddhist/Tibetan Arts And Culture

Financial Assistance for the Promotion of Buddhist/Tibetan Arts and Culture

The Indian Ministry of Culture has initiated the scheme titled “Financial Assistance for Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Arts and Culture” to support voluntary organizations engaged in the promotion and scientific advancement of Buddhist and Tibetan culture. This initiative aims to facilitate financial support for monasteries and other institutions that contribute to the preservation and research of Buddhist traditions.

Overview of the Scheme

The scheme is designed to provide financial aid to voluntary organizations, including monasteries, that focus on the propagation of Buddhist and Tibetan culture. The grant allocation is contingent upon the evaluation of applications and recommendations made by the Expert Advisory Committee (EAC). Following this, the necessary administrative approvals will be obtained from the appropriate authorities within the Ministry of Culture.

The Joint Secretary in charge is authorized to release funds up to ₹30.00 lakhs based on the EAC’s recommendations and consultations with the Integrated Finance Division (IFD) for each case. The grants are disbursed in two equal installments: the first installment is released upon project approval, while the second is contingent upon the submission of a duly audited statement of accounts that demonstrates the utilization of the entire grant amount along with contributions from the grantee or State/U.T. Government.

Key Features of the Scheme

• The grant for repairs, restoration, and renovation of heritage buildings associated with Buddhism requires certification from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Organizations with pending grants or utilization certificates will not be eligible for further assistance.
• Payments will be conducted via electronic transfers for efficiency.

Special Provisions

The EAC possesses the authority to recommend or reject any proposals, regardless of State Government or local administration support. Furthermore, it may suggest funding beyond the ₹30.00 lakhs limit, but not exceeding ₹1.00 crore, for projects deemed of exceptional merit, pending the Minister of Culture’s approval and the concurrence of the Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor of the Ministry of Culture.

Monitoring and Inspection

Annual inspections will be conducted by officials from the Ministry, targeting at least 5% of the cases. The Ministry will also draw upon the expertise of autonomous institutions such as the Central University of Tibetan Studies, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies. Local administration, including District Collectors and Deputy Commissioners, will play a role in oversight.

Penalties for Misuse of Funds

In instances of fund misappropriation, the executive members of the organization will be accountable for recovering misused grants. Organizations found guilty of fund misuse or providing false registration certificates will face blacklisting, and any immovable assets developed using government grants may be seized by local authorities as designated by the Ministry.

Financial Assistance Details

Grants are available for a variety of initiatives up to a maximum of ₹30.00 lakhs annually for any single organization. The following outlines the categories of financial assistance:

Note: Organizations with an all-India character running monastic education may qualify for funding beyond the ceiling with the EAC’s recommendation and the Minister’s approval.

Note: The maximum grant is limited to 75% of total incurred expenses on any item, with the remaining 25% to be covered by the State Government or U.T. Administration, or through the organization’s own resources.

Note: For North-Eastern States and Sikkim, funding will be shared by the Government of India and the State Government at a ratio of 90:10.

Eligibility Criteria

• Organizations must be registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act (XXI of 1860) or similar legislation.
• Applicants should have a primary focus on Buddhist/Tibetan studies and must have been operational for a minimum of three years.
• Eligible organizations must be of a regional or national character.
• Grants will only be provided to organizations not receiving funding from other sources for similar activities.
• Financial assistance may also cover the construction of hostels, classrooms, and training centers.

Application Process

To apply for this scheme, follow these steps:

1. Submit a complete application along with all necessary documents through the relevant State Government or U.T. administration. The application form can be downloaded from the Ministry of Culture’s official website: www.indiaculture.nic.in.
2. Organizations in the North-Eastern States, Sikkim, and certain districts of Ladakh may apply directly to the Ministry, provided they have the recommendation from the District Collector or Deputy Commissioner.
3. Ensure that the application is submitted in the prescribed format, properly bound, continuously page-numbered, and accompanied by a checklist approved by the State Government.