The Ministry of Culture is promoting Indian classical dances among students through multiple initiatives aligned with the National Education Policy 2020's emphasis on art-integrated and experiential learning. The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), an autonomous organization under the ministry, conducts training programs for teachers and students of Government and Government-aided schools that incorporate Indian classical and folk dance traditions, including specific forms such as Kathak, Rai, Matki, Karma and Grida in Madhya Pradesh, where CCRT maintains a Regional Centre at Damoh.
The Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CTSS) provides specialized training in Indian classical dance for meritorious students aged 10-14 years from recognized schools and traditional performing arts families. Each scholarship holder receives ₹3,600 per annum along with reimbursement of tuition fees paid to the Guru/Teacher up to ₹9,000 per annum, subject to scheme guidelines. The scholarship is initially awarded for two years and renewable based on satisfactory progress. The number of scholarships awarded in Indian Classical Dance has shown variability: 225 in 2021-22, 178 in 2022-23, 289 in 2023-24, 269 in 2024-25, and 313 in 2025-26.
Additionally, the Ministry implements the Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA) Scheme, providing scholarships of ₹5,000 per month to young artists aged 18-25 years, including those specializing in Indian classical dance, for advanced training over two years. Funding for this scheme has fluctuated: ₹3.90 crore in 2021-22, ₹1.19 crore in 2022-23, ₹4.52 crore in 2023-24, ₹3.26 crore in 2024-25, and ₹5.38 crore in 2025-26, totaling ₹18.25 crore over five years.
The Ministry supports classical dance promotion through its autonomous organizations including CCRT, Sangeet Natak Akademi (which organizes the Kala Dharohar series of lectures, workshops and performances), and Kalakshetra Foundation. Grants to these organizations have increased significantly: ₹106.94 crore in 2021-22, ₹114.81 crore in 2022-23, ₹123.62 crore in 2023-24, ₹169.55 crore in 2024-25, and ₹150.61 crore in 2025-26, totaling ₹665.53 crore over the five-year period.