Pitching Kerala as a “safe and secure platform” for progressive and liberal debates, in the current context of ‘intolerance’ towards free expression in universities in Delhi and elsewhere, the Finance Minister has earmarked considerable amounts under various heads for arts and culture. The budget has set aside funds for major events including the Indian History Congress, the Indian Labour Economic Conference and the Bookaroo Children's Literature Festival to be held this year.
The total outlay for the Kerala Sahithya Akademi, Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Akademi, Kerala
Lalithakala Akademi and Kerala Folklore Akademi has been enhanced by 50% to ₹17.16 crore. The outlay for the Library Council is enhanced as ₹10 crore. An amount of ₹100 crore will be made available as the KIIFB investment to the Kerala State Film Development Corporation for the construction of modern theatre complexes on commercial basis.
A Diamond Jubilee Fellowship will be provided to 1,000 young artists at the rate of ₹10,000 per month. The condition for granting the fellowship is that the artists shall volunteer to conduct artistic activities including imparting training in art in association with the institutions like schools and community centres under the Local Self Governments. An amount of ₹1 crore is earmarked for the formation of art hubs of village artists and craftsmen.
A comprehensive programme will be implemented for restructuring the museums with the help of specialised curators. For this purpose, an amount of ₹5 crore is provided. An amount of ₹50 lakh is provided for the creation of digital archives of old records with public participation. Another amount of ₹50 lakh is earmarked for a long term comprehensive archaeological project. For the purpose of Malayalam computing, ₹50 lakh is set aside.
An amount of ₹2 crore is earmarked for Kochi Muziris Biennale. The government will acquire around five acres of land including the Aspinwall House and the Cabral Yard in Fort Kochi, which will be the permanent venue of Biennale. The KIIFB will invest an amount of ₹100 crore for the buying and the setting up of a cultural complex at the Aspinwall factory in Alappuzha.
An amount of ₹1 crore is provided for Academy of Magical Science. This grant is intended to facilitate the performance of street magicians and circus artists for short term on wage basis. An amount of ₹50 lakh is earmarked for the cultural activities in Manaveeyam Veedhi. An amount of ₹2 crore is provided for the construction of a Cultural Complex with a total cost of ₹5 crore in the memory of ONV.
As part of the bicentenary year of the historic Education Proclamation in Travancore, an educational conference will be organised by the Institute of Social Science in New Delhi.
