Scheme of Financial Assistance for The Preservation And Development of Cultural Heritage of The Himalayas

Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas offers grants of up to ₹10.00 lakhs to registered societies, NGOs, universities, and colleges working to protect the traditional arts, crafts, and literature of the Himalayan regions. Ministry of Culture runs this scheme across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

For the 2024-25 and 2025-26 grant years, the Ministry of Culture has invited fresh proposals under this scheme through the North East Zone Cultural Centre. The last date for submitting applications, which was earlier extended to 15 April 2026, has been pushed further to 31 May 2026. Organizations and research scholars can still send their proposals for study, documentation, and revival of Himalayan art and culture.

Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas

This scheme supports the preservation and development of the cultural heritage of the Himalayas through research, documentation, and dissemination of traditional knowledge. The main aim is to protect the unique cultural identity of regions including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Ministry of Culture approves grants following recommendations from the Expert Advisory Committee. The process involves administrative and financial verification to make sure projects match the goal of preserving Himalayan art and cultural artifacts. Grants are ad-hoc and non-recurring in nature.

Grants are paid in two equal installments. The first installment is normally released with the approval of the project, while the second installment is released after the project is completed and audited utilization certificates are submitted. All payments are made through electronic transfer directly to the verified bank account of the organization.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme provides financial support for significant cultural activities. For example, if a cultural society in Uttarakhand runs a research project on folk literature, it can receive support up to a maximum limit of ₹10.00 lakhs per project. The assistance covers the following activities:

Typically, the government covers 75% of the total cost, while the remaining 25% must be contributed by the concerned State/U.T. or the organization itself. For organizations based in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the funding ratio is 90% from the central government and 10% from the organization. In cases of outstanding merit, the Expert Advisory Committee may recommend up to ₹30.00 lakhs with special approval from the Minister of Culture.

Eligibility

To be eligible, an organization needs to meet the following criteria:

• The organization must be registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 or as a Public Trust under the Indian Trust Act 1882 and should have been functioning for at least three years.
• Colleges and universities are eligible, provided the college is affiliated with a recognized university and studies on Himalayan art and culture are part of the curriculum.
• The organization must have the facilities, resources, and technical personnel needed to carry out the project.
• Preference is given to organizations already doing good work in this field and having resources to meet the matching fund share.

Grants are ad-hoc and non-recurring. If an organization is already receiving funds for the same project from another source, it is not eligible for this assistance. Applications against which a previous grant or utilization certificate is pending will not be considered.

Documents Required

While submitting the application, the following documents need to be attached to judge the eligibility of the organization:

• A copy of the valid Registration Certificate duly certified by a Gazetted Officer.
• A copy of the Memorandum of Association.
• Audited accounts for the last three years.
• Annual reports for the last three years with documentary evidence of achievements.
• A detailed project report with cost estimates, funding requirement, and completion schedule.
• Brief profiles of the research personnel involved.

Application Process

Organizations and research scholars can follow these steps to apply for this scheme:

STEP 1 - Download the official application form from the Ministry of Culture website at culture.gov.in. The form is available under the scheme documents section.

STEP 2 - Prepare the project proposal with a detailed break-up of the cost estimate, funds required from the government, other sources of funding, and the completion schedule of the project.

STEP 3 - Submit the completed application through the State Government office in the region where the project is based. Organizations in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Leh and Kargil districts of Jammu & Kashmir may submit directly with the recommendation of their local District Collector or Deputy Commissioner. Universities and colleges forward their applications through the UGC.

STEP 4 - Make sure the application is complete and supported by all required documents. Incomplete applications received without the recommendation of the prescribed authority are summarily rejected.

STEP 5 - Send the proposal to the Ministry of Culture before the last date of 31 May 2026. For the 2024-25 and 2025-26 grant years, proposals are being received through the North East Zone Cultural Centre.

References

Official Scheme Website | Revised Guidelines | Download Application Form | Call for Application Notice

FAQ's

What is the objective of this scheme?

The main goal is to promote, protect, and preserve the cultural heritage of the Himalayan region through research, documentation, and dissemination of art and culture.

Which ministry handles this scheme?

Ministry of Culture, Government of India, manages this scheme.

How much financial assistance can an organization receive?

Organizations can receive up to a maximum of ₹10.00 lakhs for approved projects. In cases of outstanding merit, the Expert Advisory Committee may recommend up to ₹30.00 lakhs with special approval.

Are colleges and universities eligible for this grant?

Yes, colleges and universities are eligible, provided they incorporate studies related to Himalayan art and culture into their curriculum or research activities. Colleges must be affiliated with a recognized university.

What is the last date to apply in 2026?

For the 2024-25 and 2025-26 grant years, the last date for submitting applications is 31 May 2026, as per the extension notice issued by the Ministry of Culture.

How will the payments be issued?

All payments are transferred electronically directly to the verified bank account of the organization in two equal installments.