New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP and J&K BJP president Sat Sharma on Thursday raised issues related to the preservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s musical heritage and support for traditional artists in Parliament.
Seeking details from the Union Ministry of Culture, Sharma asked about measures taken by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to preserve and document traditional art forms such as Sufiana Mousiqi, Chakri, Wanvun and Rouf under the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He also sought information on financial assistance provided to artists under the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme and efforts to promote J&K’s cultural traditions through national festivals.
Replying on behalf of the ministry, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the House that several initiatives have been undertaken to preserve and promote Jammu and Kashmir’s performing arts through documentation, cultural festivals, fellowships and awards.
The minister said Rouf and Kud folk dance training programmes were launched under the Kala Deeksha (Guru-Shishya Parampara) initiative from 2024-25. Under the scheme, gurus receive a monthly fee of ₹8,000, sahayak gurus ₹6,000 and disciples a stipend of ₹2,500.
According to the ministry, financial assistance under the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme in J&K stood at ₹3.37 lakh in 2023-24, ₹3.87 lakh in 2024-25 and ₹2.74 lakh in 2025-26.
The ministry also informed the House that artists from J&K have participated in national cultural events, including Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, Lok Sangam, Lok Pratibha, Desaj, Lok Jan Pratha Utsav, Chandigarh National Crafts Mela and International Gita Mahotsav.
Sharma said preserving traditional music and folk arts was important for safeguarding the region’s cultural identity while creating opportunities for artists, youth and the tourism sector. He said wider promotion of these traditions could contribute to cultural tourism, employment generation and economic growth.
