The Center for Cultural Resources and Education (CCRT) has been implementing the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Program (CTSSS) since 1982 nationwide. The Program aims to provide services to selected exceptionally talented children in the age range of 10 to 14 years studying in specialized schools or belonging to families practicing traditional performing arts to obtain specialized training in various cultural fields such as traditional forms of music, dance, theatre, as well as painting, sculpture, crafts and literature activities.
650 new scholarships are awarded each year. The scholarship is initially awarded for two years and is renewable up to the age of 20, provided the winners maintain good progress. The value of the scholarship is Rs.3600/- per annum to the scholarship holder, plus reimbursement of the actual tuition fee paid to the Guru/Teacher, up to a cap of Rs.9000/- per annum. The CCRT provides scholarships to such children/students who excel in their respective sphere of the art form.
The number of scholarships awarded in the last 05 years under the CTSS scheme is approximately 2788.
As per 51st Meeting of the Finance Committee of the CCRT, the committee approved in principle the improvement of the amount of scholarship and tuition reimbursed under the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CTSS) from Rs. 300/- to Rs.500/- and Rs. 750/- to Rs. 1000/- respectively. It is not proposed to increase the total number of scholarships.
This response was given today by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of the North East Region Shri G Kishan Reddy in Rajya Sabha.
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NB/SKT
