SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has been actively engaging with the Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme (CFPGS), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture aimed at supporting cultural activities across India. Over the last six years, the Union Territory received cumulative funding of Rs 182.19 lakh under the scheme, benefitting 200 cultural organisations.
The annual allocations included Rs 16.32 lakh for 12 organisations in 2019-20, Rs 28.31 lakh for 32 groups in 2020-21, Rs 43.63 lakh for 41 organisations in 2021-22, Rs 50.33 lakh for 52 in 2022-23, Rs 33.76 lakh for 49 groups in 2023-24, and Rs 9.84 lakh for 14 groups so far in 2024-25., the government told the Lok Sabha during question hour on February 3, 2025.
The CFPGS is designed to provide financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations, NGOs, societies, trusts, and universities to support a range of cultural activities, including seminars, conferences, research, workshops, festivals, exhibitions, and the production of dance, drama, theatre, and music. Eligible organisations must be registered for at least three years and have a properly constituted managing body. Additionally, they must be registered on the NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog and demonstrate the capability to finance at least 25 per cent of the project cost.
Under this scheme, financial assistance covers up to 75 per cent of the total expenditure, with a maximum grant of Rs 5 lakh. However, in exceptional cases, projects of outstanding merit and relevance may receive grants of up to Rs 20 lakh, subject to the approval of the competent authority. The disbursement process follows a two-instalment system, with 75 per cent released in advance and the remaining 25 per cent provided upon submission of mandatory documentation, including utilisation certificates, photographs, and press clippings.
To promote cultural activities, especially in rural and underserved areas, the Ministry of Culture is also administering the ‘Financial Assistance to Cultural Organisations with National Presence’ scheme, which supports large-scale cultural initiatives. Applications for CFPGS grants are assessed annually by an expert committee that evaluates proposals based on their cultural significance, quality, and adherence to the scheme’s guidelines.
Despite these efforts, the government has stated that there are no current plans to expand or increase funding for CFPGS.
