NATIONAL CULTURE FUND
Why In News?
On March 9, 2026, the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism provided a written reply in the Lok Sabha detailing that NCF has mobilized approximately ₹140 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds since its inception.
Key Information
- Establishment: Formed on November 28, 1996, as a Trust under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890.
- Primary Objective: To mobilize extra-budgetary resources through PPP for protecting both tangible (monuments) and intangible (oral traditions, arts) heritage.
- Donor Flexibility: Unlike general government funds, NCF allows donors to choose a specific project, location, or implementing agency for their contribution.
- Management Structure:
- Governing Council: Chaired by the Union Minister of Culture; it decides the overall policy with up to 25 members.
- Executive Committee: Chaired by the Secretary (Culture); it executes the policies with a maximum of 11 members.
- Tax Benefits: All donations to the NCF are eligible for 100% tax deduction under Section 80G (2) (iii hh) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Monitoring Mechanism: Progress is tracked by a Project Implementing Committee (PIC), usually chaired by the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for monument-related projects.
- Audit: The annual accounts are strictly audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to ensure transparency.
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