The establishment of Culture Centres in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir was announced with much anticipation over a year ago. These centres were to be set up in eight districts. However, despite the passage of time, none of the announced districts have seen the promised centres materialize. The primary hurdles cited are the non-availability of suitable land and insufficient funds. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages has assured that these issues will be addressed once the Culture Policy is approved by the Government. Nevertheless, the delay raises serious concerns about the commitment to promoting the rich and diverse cultural heritage of J&K. These Culture Centres are of great importance. J&K is a region known for its cultural diversity, with a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and artistic expressions. The establishment of these centres is crucial for preserving and promoting this cultural heritage. They would serve as hubs for artistic activities, cultural exchanges, and the nurturing of local talents. However, the lack of progress in setting up these centres reflects a disconnect between the vision and its implementation.
One of the significant challenges has been the unavailability of suitable land. In Kathua, where land is available, the construction of the building is severely underfunded. Against a requirement of Rs 4 crore, less than Rs 50 lakh has been made available so far. This discrepancy between the required and allocated funds poses a severe threat to the timely completion of the project. Similarly, in Kishtwar, the land identified by the district administration was deemed unsuitable by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages due to issues related to access roads. The DPR indicates a requirement of Rs 33 crore for constructing the Culture Centre in Kishtwar, yet no provision for these funds has been made to date. This scenario is echoed in other districts where either no land has been identified or the identified land is unsuitable. The theoretic response from the administration has been underwhelming. The Department of Culture claims that the Culture Centre in Kathua will serve as a model for other districts once completed. However, the broader issues impeding the start of work in other areas remain unresolved. This reflects a need for a more proactive approach and better coordination between various Governmental departments to address these issues comprehensively.
Now all hopes are pinned on the Culture Policy, which, once approved, will address these challenges. However, the delay in the policy’s approval and the subsequent inaction underscore a need for urgency. The Government needs to expedite the approval of the Culture Policy and ensure its effective implementation. The significance of these Culture Centres extends beyond just preserving cultural heritage. They are vital for fostering social cohesion and promoting a sense of identity and pride among the people of J&K. These centres would provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents, facilitate cultural exchanges, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region. In a place like J&K, with its unique socio-political dynamics, promoting cultural activities can play a pivotal role in bridging divides and fostering a sense of unity. Moreover, the Culture Centres would also boost tourism in the region. J&K’s cultural richness is a significant attraction for tourists. Having dedicated centres that showcase this cultural diversity would enhance the tourism experience and potentially increase tourist inflow, thereby contributing to the local economy.
The delay in setting up these Culture Centres is a missed opportunity for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. It reflects a broader issue where well-intentioned initiatives fail to materialise due to bureaucratic inertia and a lack of coordination. It is high time for the administration to recognise the urgency of this matter and take swift, decisive action. The Government must ensure that the necessary resources are allocated, suitable land is identified, and construction begins without further delay.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
