Why is it in the News?

The Government of India has decided to map and document all villages under Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar (MGMD) Programme.

About the Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar Programme:

• The Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) programme is a nationwide initiative led by the Ministry of Culture, launched on July 27, 2023, under the  National Mission on Cultural Mapping.
• Its primary aim is to compile detailed information about the life, history, and cultural essence of Indian villages and make this data accessible to both virtual and real-time visitors.

Key Components and Categories:

• Under the MGMD, information is collected across seven broad categories, including:
  • Arts and Crafts Village
  • Ecologically Oriented Village
  • Scholastic Village Linked with Textual and Scriptural Traditions of India
  • Epic Village linked with Ramayana, Mahabharata, and/or Puranic legends and oral epics
  • Historical Village linked with Local and National History
  • Architectural Heritage Village
• Any other distinctive characteristic, such as fishing village, horticulture village, shepherding village, etc.

Objectives:

• The primary objective of the project is to culturally map India's 6.5 lakh villages across 29 States and 7 Union Territories on a comprehensive virtual platform.
• Through MGMD, individuals will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in India's diverse and vibrant cultural heritage.

Core Ideals and Benefits:

• The fundamental aim of the project is to foster appreciation for India's rich cultural traditions, thereby promoting economic growth, social harmony, and artistic development in rural communities. The programme is envisioned as a catalyst for showcasing and preserving India's cultural diversity.

Financial Outlay and Scheme Components:

• A financial outlay of Rs. 353.46 Crore has been approved under the scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture, comprising eight scheme components:
  • Financial Assistance to Cultural organizations with National Presence
  • Cultural Function & Production Grant (CFPG)
  • Financial Assistance for the Preservation & Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas
  • Financial Assistance for the Preservation & Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Organization
  • Financial Assistance for Building Grants including Studio Theatres
  • Financial Assistance For Allied Cultural Activities
  • Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Through these components, the programme aims to provide comprehensive support for the preservation and promotion of India's rich cultural heritage.