NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude on Wednesday announced that the government will introduce cultural merit marks from this academic year.
Replying to demands for grant on Art and Culture in the state assembly, the minister said that in order to encourage art and culture among new generation, the government has decided to introduce cultural merit marks on the lines of sports merit marks, adding the cultural merit marks policy will be in place shortly.
Stating that the government will ensure that Goan artists get honour and respect, Gaude said that the government has decided to promote ‘Maand’ culture with a special scheme to be launched in August, wherein artists and teachers will get stipends and will be provided necessary musical instruments.
“The government will preserve rich culture of Goa which is mainly in the villages and will work to take it to the international level. I will also try to make Panaji cultural city of the state,” the Art and Culture Minister said adding, the state government will sign memorandum of understanding with some foreign countries to promote cultural exchange programmes.
He further said that the state directorate of Art and Culture is the only department in the country which has been recognised with five international certifications, informing that the department will take the names of artists for various awards suo motto, which will be selected by expert committee.
Gaude also assured the members of the House that the department will ensure that every taluka gets Ravindra Bhavan or Sanskruti Bhavan.