DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Buddha Jayanti: A sum of Rs. 2,19,001 has so far been spent dur- ing the year in connection with the Buddha Jayanti Celebrations held in 1956-57. The proposal for the construction of the monument has been held in abeyance owing to financial stringency, but plans and estimates for laying out a park around the site of the monument are under consideration. A sum of rupees three lakhs has been provided in the budget for 1958-59 for the proposed Dark (Capital Budget) and another sum of Rs. 50,000 has been provided for miscellaneous expenditure on return of art objects lent by foreign countries for the Buddha Jayanti Exhibitions. ((Demands No. 21 Education),
Grants to Educational and Literary Organizations of All-India Status: A sum of Rs. 7,51,833 has so far been granted to all-India organisations doing useful work in the educational and literary fields, such as the Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, the Gurukula Kangri University, the Sanskrit Dictionary Department of the Deccan College, Poona, the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Poona, the Vedic Research Institute, Hoshiarpur etc.
A budget provision of Rs. 7,45,900 has been made for payment of such grants during 1958-59. In addition, a sum of rupees four lakhs has been provided for maintenance grant to the Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. (Demand No. 21 Education).
Grants to Cultural Organisations of All-India Status: A sum of Rs. 6,08,345 including a building grant of rupees five lakhs to the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Calcutta, has been paid so far to six all-India organisations working in the field. of Culture, such as the International Children's Competition Committee, New Delhi, Anjuman-Taraqqi Urdu (Hind), Aligarh, the Jalianwala Bagh Memorial Trust Committee, Amritsar etc.
The amount provided in the budget for 1958-59 for similar grants is Rs. 4,95,000. (Demand No. 21-Education).
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Indology and Institute of Indology.-The Committee which was appointed by the Government of India in March, 1953, to formulate an all-India policy for the coordination and research in Indology and to examine the requests for grant of financial assistance from institutions engaged in this field, held two meetings during 1957-58 and considered the schemes regarding the establishment of an Institute of Indology and Collection and Preservation of Rare and Ancient, Manuscripts etc. The recommendations of the Indology Committee with regard to the establishment of an Institute of Indology are still. under consideration of the Government of India.
A sum of Rs. 1.41 lakhs has been proposed for this scheme in the budget for 1958-59. The total provision for the scheme under the Second Five Year Plan has, however, been reduced from Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 7 lakhs only. (Demand No. 21-Education)
Strengthening of Existing Institutions of Higher Learning of All- India Importance.-The overall pro-vision of rupees thirty lakhs originally included in the Second Five-Year Plan for the strengthening of existing institutions of Higher learning of all-India status has, now been reduced to rupees twenty lakhs. A provision of Rs. 2.50 lakhs exists in the budget for the current year, but a sum of Rs. 21,420 only has been spent so far as grant to the Vishvesvaranand Vedic Research Institute, Hoshiarpur, for implementation of certain publication schemes. Publication schemes of some other institutions recommended by the Indology Committee are still under consideration.
A budget provision of Rs. 4.70 lakhs has been proposed for the scheme for 1958-59. (Demand No. 21-Education).
Publication of Rare Manuscripts.-A sum of Rs. 6.5 lakhs has been provided in the Second Five-Year Plan for publication of Rare Manuscripts available in India and a provision of Rs. 1.59 lakhs was made during 1957-58.
Proposals from some well-known Indologists and Indological insti- tutions for publication of rare manuscripts have been examined.
A sum of Rs. 8,000 has been so far spent during the year in connection with the publication of two manuscripts, viz., "Sri Bhoova- laya" and "Jawamiul-Hikayat".
A budget provision for a sum of Rs. 94,000 has been proposed for 1958-59. (Demand No. 21-Education)
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Development of Sanskrit Education.-The Sanskrit Commission which had been appointed to consider the question of the present state of Sanskrit education in all its aspects and to make recommendations for its improvement has since submitted its report which is under consideration.
A sum of Rs. 39,000 was paid to the Commission during the year to cover its working expenses. A sum of Rs. 1.88 lakhs has been proposed in the budget for 1958-59 for expenditure on the revival of Sanskrit.
(Demand No. 21-Education).
Development of Modern Indian Languages (other than Hindi).In view of the growing need for the study of regional languages due to increase in literacy and the replacement of English by these languages as a medium of instruction, a scheme for the development of Modern Indian Languages (other than Hindi), estimated to cost Rs. 20 lakhs in five years, has been included in the Second Five-Year Plan.
A sum of rupees two lakhs was provided for the purpose in the budget for 1956-57 and Rs. 1.5 lakhs in the budget for the current year. The scheme is now ready for implementation, and a sum of Rs. 2,000 only was spent during 1956-57 (for publication of Bengali Encyclopaedia) and Rs. 1,000 during the current year (for publication of Marathi work of late Shri Adibhotla Narayandas).
A sum of Rs. 2.82 lakhs has been proposed for the purpose for inclusion in the budget for 1958-59.
(Demand No. 21-Education).
Sahitya Akademi.-A sum of Rs. 5.5 lakhs has been provided in the budget estimates for 1958-59 for grants to the Akademi.
(Demand No. 21-Education).
Financial Assistance to Eminent Writers and Artists in Indigent Circumstances.-To implement the decision of the Government of India to assist, by the award of suitable allowance and/or lump sum grant, persons distinguished in letters, art and such other walks of life who may be in indigent circumstances, a sum of Rs. 2,00,000 was provided for 1957-58. The amount proposed in the budget estimates for 1958-59 is Rs. 1,50,000. Under the scheme 165 persons have so far been given assistance.
(Demand No. 22).
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Reorganisation and Development of Museums.-The Central Advisory Board of Museums set up to advise the Government of India on matters relating to the reorganisation and development of museums in the country and to promote closer contacts between the different museums, held its first meeting in September, 1956. The Board approved the report of the Expert Museum Survey Committee with slight modifications. The second meeting of the Board was held in December, 1957. A provision of Rs. 9.40 lakhs has been included in the budget estimates for 1958-59 against the provision of 20 lakhs for the year 1957-58 for reorganisation and development of museums.
(Demand No. 21).
National Museum.-A provision of Rs. 5,71,700 against the current year's provision of Rs. 4,02,000 has been included in the budget for 1958-59.
(Demand No. 20).
Building for National Museum.-About 65 per cent. of the work of first phase of the new building for National Museum has been completed. The expenditure up to the end. of December, 1957 was about Rs. 25 lakhs. The first phase of the building is likely to be completed before the end of year 1958.
National Gallery of Modern Art.-A provision of Rs. 1,85,000 against the current year's provision of Rs. 1,75,000 has been included in the budget for 1958-59.
(Demand No. 21).
Air Conditioning of Jaipur House.-This work is in progress.
(Demand No.144).
Indian War Memorial.-A provision of Rs. 16,500 against the current year's provision of Rs. 21,000 has been included in the budget for 1958-59. (Demand No. 22).
Acquisition of Art Objects.-A provision of Rs. 4 lakhs has been made in the budget estimates for 1958-59 for the purchase of art objects and contribution to the National Art Treasure Fund. An equal provision exists in the current year's budget.
(Demand No. 22).
Sangeet Natak Akadami.-A sum of Rs. 9,50,375 has been provided for a grant to the Akadami in the budget estimates for 1958-59. The provision for the current financial year is Rs. 8,74,340.
(Demand No. 21).
Lalit Kala Akadami.-A provision of Rs. 3,15,900 has been made in the budget estimates for, 1958-59 for a grant to the Akadami against the current year's provision of Rs. 3,10,000.
(Demand No. 21).
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Building for Three National Akadamies.-A plot of land has been selected for the building of the three National Akadamies. Owing to various difficulties it has not been possible to start the construction work. A provision of Rs. 5,000 only has been included in the budget estimates for 1958-59 against the current year's provision of Rs. 9 lakhs.
(Demand No. 21).
Building for the National Theatre.--The architect appointed in the C.P.W.D. in 1956 has drawn up plans and designs for the National Theatre. In view of the acute financial stringency, however, the building work is likely to be postponed for the present. No provision has, therefore, been included, in the budget estimates for 1958-59.
Indian Museum, Calcutta.-A provision of Rs. 1,28,400 has been made in the budget estimates for 1958-59 for the maintenance of the Indian Museum as compared to that of Rs. 1,39,000 for the current financial year.
(Demand No. 20).
Construction of Fire-Proof Building for Indian Museum, Calcutta.- The Fire-Proof Building is proposed to be constructed in the premises of Indian Museum to house the zoological and other specimens which are preserved in highly inflammable spirits and are exposed to constant risk of fire. The construction work has already been taken up by the C.P.W.D. (Demand No. 123).
Victoria Memorial Hall, Calcutta.-A provision of Rs. 1,41,000 has been made in the budget estimates for 1958-59 against a provision of Rs. 2,20,700. The reduction is due to less anticipated expenditure on repairs to the building, roads, and pathways of the Memorial Hall.
(Demand No. 22).
Bal Bhavan.-A provision of Rs. 1.30 lakhs has been made in the budget estimates for 1958-59. Out of this a sum of Rupees one lakh is meant for normal activities of the Bhavan and the balance of Rs. 30,000 is token provision for construction of the buildings of the Bhavan. The current year's provision for the Bhavan is Rs. 8 lakhs.
(Demand No. 21).
Children's Museum.-It is proposed to establish a Children's Museum at Delhi. A plot of land has been selected on the Kotla Road where the building for the Children's Museum and Bal Bhavan will be put up. The plans and estimates for the building are being prepared by the C.P.W.D. During the year 1958-59 a token provision of Rs. 20,000 has been made for the construction of the building and the expenditure will be met, from the provision made for Reorganisation and Development of Museums.
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Central Reference Library.-The Government of India propose to set up a Central Reference Library at Delhi, under the Second Five-Year Plan, which will serve as a storehouse of all books printed in India and also bring out a National Bibliography as a work of reference for Scholars and Libraries in India and abroad. The Library will also, it is anticipated, act as a Centre for Exchange of Publications with other countries. Pending the Construction of the Library Building at Delhi the National Bibliography Unit of the Library has been set up in the National Library, Calcutta, which has since undertaken the work of publishing the Indian National Bibliography. (Demand No. 22).
History of Freedom Movement.-The work of writing "The History of Freedom Movement in India" has been entrusted. Dr. Tara Chand, M.P., former Secretary, Ministry of Education. Dr. Tara Chand will act in an honorary capacity. A budget provision of Rs. 47,000 has been made for 1958-59 for this purpose.
(Demand No. 22).
Revision of Gazetteers.-The Government of India have undertaken the work of Revision of Gazetteers as an Educational Development under the Second Five-Year Plan. The work of Revision of India Volumes of the Gazetteers will be undertaken by the Central Government and that of Revision of District Gazetteers by State Governments. The work of revision is likely to take about five years to complete. A provision of Rs. 25 lakhs has been made in the Second Five-Year Plan for the implementation of the scheme.
In connection with the revision of District Gazetteers: by the State Governments, the Government of India have decided to pay a grant of 40% of the expenditure incurred by State Governments, on the revision of the District Gazetteers, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 20 lakhs for all the States. This assistance will be available only in regard to those volumes which have been certified by the General Editor to conform to the pattern and standard laid down.
The Central Organisation has started functioning from the middle of December, 1957 with a skeleton staff and it is hoped that the full complement of the Editorial Staff will be appointed very shortly. An Advisory Board has already been constituted.
(Demand Nos. 13 and 21).
Copyright.-The Parliament of India passed an Act called the "Copyright Act, 1957 (14 of 1957)" to amend and consolidate the law relating to Copyright in India. The Act received the assent of the President on June 4th, 1957 and has come into force from January, 1958. With the coming into force of the new Act, the
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Indian Copyright Act, 1914 (3 of 1914) and the Copyright Act of 1911 passed, by Parliament of the U.K. as modified in its application to India by the Indian Copyright Act, 1914, stand repealed.
During the year, the Government of India ratified the Universal Copyright Convention and Protocols I and II thereto and acceded to Protocol III. The Instrument of Ratification was deposited with the UNESCO Secretariat on October, 21, 1957 and the Universal Copyright Convention has come into force in respect to India with effect from January, 21, 1958. A budget provision of Rs. 2 lakhs has been proposed for 1958-59. (Demand No. 21).
EXTERNAL CULTURAL RELATIONS During the current financial year, a sum of Rs. 35,00,000 (Rs. 21,80,000 for Delegations and Rs. 13,20,000 for other Cultural Activi- ties with foreign countries) was provided in the budget for cultural relations abroad. As a measure of economy, however, a sum of Rs 15,00,000 was surrendered, and only a sum of Rs. 20,00,000 was retained for the cultural activities programme.
The following activities have been undertaken so far during the current year:-
(1) Cultural Agreements were concluded with Poland and Rumania.
(2) Grants for promotion of cultural activities were given to Indo-Iranian Cultural Association, Tehran; Indo-Egyptian Association, Cairo; Indo- Turkish Cultural Association, Istanbul; Indo-German Cultural Society, Bombay; Indo-Nepal Friendship Association, Kathmandu; Tibetan School, Kalimpong; Ramakrishna Mission Centre, London; Shanti Sadan, London; School of Oriental and African Studies, London; Indian Students Union and Hostel, London; Indian Students Association, Paris; India League, Australia; and Indian Students Associations, U.K.; Institute of Indo-Middle East Cultural Studies, Hyderabad; Indian Hospice, Jerusalam; Indian Association, Bahrein; Imperial Institute, London; financial assistance for Nepali Literary publications; financial assistance to Educational Institutions in Nepal; Indian Gymkhana Club, London; Ceylon Estate Workers Education Trust; Royal' Asiatic Society, London, as well as refund of Customs Duty, Income Tax etc. to the United States Educational Foundation in India, and defraying of freight charges on CARE Gift books.
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(3) Indian Teachers were recruited at the request of the Government/Institutions in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Syria, British West Indies, Nepal, U.S.S.R. and Malaya.
(4) The Government of India participated in Art Exhibitions organised in Australia, Colombo and Yugoslavia.
(5) Scholarships offered by the Governments of Norway, Italy, Switzerland, East Germany, Yugoslavia, France, U.S.S.R., Rumania, Thailand, Czechoslovakia, Sweden, City of Hamburg, Hamburg University, Japan, Belgium. and Rumania have been accepted.
(6) Scholarships have been awarded to students from Laos, Sikkim and Bhutan for study in schools and colleges in India.
(7) The Government of India invited Cultural Delegations from Nepal, U.S.S.R., Rumania, Mongolia and Bhutan.
(8) Facilities for learning Hindi have been provided to African students studying in India.
(9) Radio sets costing Rs. 16,000 were presented to Bhutan.
(10) Delegates were sent to participate in the 250th Anniversary Celebrations of the Founding of the Technical University at Prague, 24th International Congress of Orientalists (Germany), the P.E.N. International Congress (Tokyo) and the New York Herald Tribune Forum (U.S.A.).