New Delhi: The Centre is promoting Indian classical and folk dances among school students through training programmes, workshops, performances and scholarships.
The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages art-integrated, experiential and multidisciplinary learning.
CCRT Takes Classical Dance to Schools
The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) conducts training programmes for teachers and students of government and government-aided schools.
In Madhya Pradesh, the programmes include:
- Kathak
- Rai
- Matki
- Karma
- Grida
CCRT also has a Regional Centre at Damoh, which promotes local and regional art forms.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi further promotes performing arts among school children through its Kala Dharohar series, featuring lectures, workshops and performances.
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Scholarships Help Young Dance Talent
CCRT implements the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CTSS) for meritorious students aged 10-14 years studying in recognised schools.
The scheme also covers children from families practising traditional performing arts.
Selected students receive specialised training in Indian classical dance and other cultural disciplines.
Each scholarship holder receives:
- ₹3,600 per year
- Tuition fee reimbursement of up to ₹9,000 per year paid to the Guru or teacher
The scholarship is initially awarded for two years and can be renewed based on satisfactory progress.
Classical Dance Scholarships Increase
The number of scholarships awarded for Indian classical dance under CTSS stood at 313 in 2025-26, up from 225 in 2021-22.
The annual figures were:
- 2021-22: 225
- 2022-23: 178
- 2023-24: 289
- 2024-25: 269
- 2025-26: 313
The rise reflects continued support for students pursuing traditional dance forms.
Young Artists Get ₹5,000 Monthly Support
The Ministry of Culture also runs the Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA) Scheme.
Under the scheme, artists aged 18-25 years, including those specialising in Indian classical dance, receive ₹5,000 per month for advanced training for two years.
Funds released under the SYA scheme increased from ₹3.90 crore in 2021-22 to ₹5.38 crore in 2025-26.
Meanwhile, grants released to autonomous organisations including CCRT, Sangeet Natak Akademi and Kalakshetra Foundation stood at ₹150.61 crore in 2025-26, compared with ₹106.94 crore in 2021-22.
Focus on Preserving India’s Cultural Heritage
School programmes, scholarships and advanced training aim to connect young people with India’s traditional performing arts and support careers in classical dance.
Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the initiatives promote arts education, preserve cultural heritage and provide young artists opportunities to develop their talent.
