No separate budget under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav scheme, says government

There was “no separate budget” under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and all ministries, state governments and their associated agencies met the expenses for the events organized by them of their budget heads, the government informed Parliament on Monday.

Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy said this in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha when asked about the purpose and objectives of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) program along with the list of state events.

The minister was also asked for details of the resources used at the state level for these events.

“There was no separate budget under AKAM. Therefore, all ministries/departments, state governments, UTs and their affiliated/subordinate/autonomous bodies, and PSUs shall bear the expenditure on the events organized by them from their respective budget heads,” Reddy said. .

The 75-week countdown to August 15, 2023 commemorated not only 75 years of independence, but also the glorious history and unique diversity of the country's people, culture and languages, he said.

“This Mahotsav was celebrated as a Jan Utsav in the spirit of Jan Bhagidari. The Prime Minister not only kicked off a 75-week festival but also marked a metaphorical 386 km Dandi March to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the historic Salt March,” the minister said in his response.

More than two lakh events and programs have been organized under the AKAM in the last two years. The entire country took part in these events, he said.

Of the two lakh events, around 1.9 lakh held under ministries, departments, states or UTs have been published on the website, he added.

“A Digital District Repository has been put together to discover and document stories of people, events and places related to India's freedom struggle at the micro level of the district,” Reddy said.

“Till date, around 14,500 stories have been collected and uploaded on the portal. These stories are broadly classified under the heading – people and personalities, events and occurrences, hidden treasures – built and natural heritage, and living traditions and art forms,” ​​Reddy said .