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Context

• Over the last five fiscal years (2018-19 to 2022-23), the NCF received a total of Rs. 3.70 crore from non-government sources. This funding is aimed at supporting various cultural heritage initiatives.

Details

• The National Culture Fund (NCF) is a Trust established under the Charitable Endowment Act of 1890, functioning under the Ministry of Culture, India.
• Its primary objective is to mobilize additional resources via Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives for the preservation, protection, and promotion of India's vast Cultural Heritage, both tangible and intangible.

Adopt a Heritage Programme 2.0

• Recently launched by the Government, this initiative encourages Public-Private Partnership to enhance tourist amenities at Centrally Protected Monuments.
• The focus is on improving facilities like washrooms, drinking water, pathways, and benches to enhance visitors' experiences.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• ASI was established in 1861 to conduct extensive surveys of antiquarian remains in India and safeguard its monuments and sites.
• The ASI's work spans preservation, conservation, architectural studies, epigraphy, horticulture, environmental upgradation, and underwater archaeology.
• Currently safeguarding 3667 monuments, including 18 World Heritage Cultural Properties, and maintaining 41 site museums across India.
• ASI is renowned for its excellence in excavation, conservation, and museums, not only within India but also internationally.
• ASI has undertaken significant projects in various countries like Egypt, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Nepal, Cambodia, and has extended help to nations like Pakistan and Indonesia in conserving their monuments.

NCF's Collaboration and Support

• NCF's Role and Funding Structure:
  • NCF, established in 1996, operates as a trust under the Ministry of Culture.
  • It serves as an innovative means of cultural funding, facilitating both institutions and individuals to play a role in preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage.
  • Donors can identify specific projects, monuments, funding aspects, and execution agencies through the NCF.
  • Contributions made to the NCF are eligible for tax rebates under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
  • NCF ensures accountability to each donor regarding funds donated, offering a dedicated account for each project.
  • Donations can be made in Indian currency or any foreign convertible currency.
• Collaboration with Corporates and Trusts:
  • Leading corporate entities and trusts collaborate with NCF in various conservation and preservation projects, such as those at Taj Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jaisalmer Fort, among others.

Management

• The National Culture Fund (NCF) operates under a structured management framework overseen by a council chaired by the Minister for Culture and an Executive Committee chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.
• This structure ensures effective governance and decision-making. The NCF Council comprises members from corporate houses, private foundations, art experts, and academicians, enhancing non-governmental participation in decision-making processes.

Projects Sponsored Under NCF

• Improvements at Monuments and Heritage Sites: Active generation and sponsorship of projects for visible enhancements at monuments, heritage complexes, and their surroundings.
• Integration of Monuments with Local Communities: Initiatives to reconnect monuments with the lifestyle and culture of local communities.
• Promotional and Cultural Activities: Organized cultural events such as concerts, theatre, shows, film/TV shoots, lectures, community festivals, subject to ASI regulations.
• Environmental Development: Initiatives focusing on environmental development in and around heritage sites.
• Conservation and Refurbishment: Structural conservation, chemical preservation, and refurbishment of monuments.
• Visitor-Friendly Amenities and Information: Installation of visitor-friendly amenities, historical literature displays, direction boards, signage, etc.
• Museum Development and Upgradation: Upgradation of existing museums and commissioning of new ones near cultural properties.
• Monument Illumination and Tourist Facilities: Illumination of monuments and provision of tourist facilities like cafeterias, parking lots, landscaping, information centers, souvenir shops, etc.

Benefits of NCF Participation

• Tax Rebates and Acknowledgment: Donors receive a 100% tax rebate under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. Contributions are acknowledged by ASI at the site and in its publications.
• Donor-Specific Activity and Accountability: All activity at the adopted site is specific to the donor's wishes. NCF ensures receipt of income tax exemptions and transparent accounts of donation utilization.
• Visibility and Public Accountability: Corporate donors gain mileage as they can showcase their contributions in advertisements and campaigns. A forum for public visibility and accountability is established.
• Revenue and Foreign Donations: Revenue generated from events at sites and monuments is credited to a joint ASI-NCF account. Foreign donations are welcome, with necessary clearance obtained under the Foreign Contributions Regulations Act.
• Heritage Promotion: NCF aids in disseminating information globally, promoting India's rich cultural heritage to a wider audience.

Conclusion

The NCF's role in enabling public-private partnerships for cultural preservation, combined with the extensive efforts of ASI in safeguarding India's rich cultural heritage, showcases a collaborative approach to tackle the challenges of cultural preservation. The active involvement of government bodies alongside private entities underscores the importance of preserving India's archaeological wealth for future generations.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following statements regarding the National Culture Fund (NCF) is correct? A) NCF was established to solely promote and preserve India's tangible cultural heritage. B) NCF operates independently as a separate entity from the Ministry of Culture. C) Donations made to NCF do not qualify for any tax rebates under the Income Tax Act. D) NCF allows donors to identify specific projects, monuments, and agencies for executing the projects related to cultural preservation. Correct Answer: D)