The Directorate of Art and Culture has shortlisted 18 local cultural organisations across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for financial assistance under the Grant-in-Aid scheme aimed at promoting artistic activities and strengthening national integration and communal harmony.
The department had earlier invited applications from local cultural organisations seeking financial support to conduct programmes and initiatives related to art and cultural promotion. In response to the call, a total of 20 organisations submitted applications along with supporting documents detailing their activities.
The applications were examined by a Scrutiny Committee constituted for the purpose. The committee reviewed the submissions in accordance with the provisions laid down under the “Andaman and Nicobar Islands Rules for Grant in Aid to Local Cultural Organizations”.
Following scrutiny of the documents and evaluation of the cultural activities undertaken by the applicant organisations, the committee recommended the release of grant-in-aid of ₹25,000 each to 18 organisations for the financial year 2025-26.
The organisations recommended for the grant include Baaulmon in Shadipur, M.J. Music Academy in Loknath Colony, Andaman Sangeet Academy at Dairy Farm, Unity Orchestra at Ograbranj, Friends Cultural Group at Pahargaon, and Nrityalpana Dance Academy in Prem Nagar.
Other organisations included in the recommended list are Jhankar Dance Group of Chouldhari, Aditya Natya Academy at Middle Point, Avinash Social and Cultural Society in Aberdeen Village, Shree Shree Hari Guru Chand Sanskritik Sangha at Sippighat, and Young Brothers Club at Dairy Farm.
The list further includes Kasheesh on RGT Road, Balkrishna Nritya Academy in Nayagaon, KRG Kalai Kaveri School in Buniyadabad, Sur Saptak-A-Sangeet Academy in South Point, Anandodhara at Phoenix Bay, Naach Academy of Performing Arts at Middle Point and Andaman Islands Film Society.
Officials said the grant-in-aid scheme is intended to encourage local cultural institutions to continue organising artistic programmes that promote cultural exchange, social harmony and community participation.
However, the list of recommended organisations has not yet been finalised. The Directorate of Art and Culture has invited claims, objections or suggestions from the public regarding the proposed list.
Stakeholders have been asked to submit any representations to the Director of Art and Culture at the Cellular Jail Complex in Atlanta Point within seven days from the date of publication of the notice. The final list of organisations eligible for the grant will be determined after examining the feedback received.
Authorities said the process of inviting objections or suggestions is intended to ensure transparency and fairness in the allocation of public funds. Once the review process is completed, the approved organisations will receive the financial assistance for the current financial year.
The grant-in-aid programme is one of the mechanisms through which the administration supports local artists, performers and cultural institutions. Cultural groups across the islands regularly organise music, dance, theatre and other artistic events that contribute to the preservation of diverse traditions present in the archipelago.
Officials noted that supporting such organisations helps sustain local cultural practices while also providing platforms for young artists to develop their talents. Cultural activities are also seen as a means of strengthening social cohesion in the multicultural society of the islands.
With the scrutiny process completed and the provisional list released, the finalisation of the grant-in-aid beneficiaries is expected after the review of public feedback submitted during the objection period.
