PROMOTION OF INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCES AMONGST STUDENTS

The Ministry of Culture, through its autonomous bodies such as the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi, is promoting Indian classical dances in schools in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. CCRT conducts teacher‑student training programmes in government and aided schools, with regional centres like Damoh (Madhya Pradesh) supporting local dance forms. It also implements the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship (CTSS) scheme, awarding scholarships to students aged 10‑14, with annual disbursements of ₹3,600 and tuition reimbursements up to ₹9,000; scholarship numbers have risen from 225 in 2021‑22 to 313 in 2025‑26. Additionally, the Scholarships to Young Artists (SYA) scheme provides ₹5,000 per month to artists aged 18‑25, and the Ministry’s grants to cultural organisations have increased from ₹106.94 cr in 2021‑22 to ₹150.61 cr in 2025‑26.