About National Culture Fund
The National Culture Fund (NCF), a trust under Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India , Serves as a financing mechanism for enabling-donor/sponsor institution to support Protection ,Restoration, Conservation and Development of India’s rich tangible and intangible culture and heritage(Monuments/Cultural Traditions) directly as partners with the Government.
National Culture Fund (NCF) was set up by the Govt. of India, Department of Culture (now Ministry of Culture), as a Trust under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890 through a Gazette Notification published in the Gazette of India 28th November, 1996. (Pdf attach of Gazette Notification)
Download PDF
NCF is an innovative pattern of cultural funding which enables institutions and individuals to perform their rightful role in promoting and preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and to a larger extent, to provide for, financially the cultural aspirations of the society and the nation.
NCF is managed by a Council and an Executive Committee. The Council is chaired by the Hon'ble Minister of Culture and has members representing the corporate and public sector, private foundations and non-profit organizations. The Executive Committee is chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Culture.
NCF partners with Corporates/Public Sector, NGOs ,State Governments, Individuals & Financial Institutions in order to achieve its objectives.
Donations to the NCF are eligible for 100% tax exemptions under Section 80G(ii) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. NCF encourages corporates to partner with it through their CSR (Jan- Bhagidaari) for promoting cultural heritage of India.
Each project is undertaken by the NCF after approval by the EC and monitored by a Project Implementation Committee(PIC) that has representation from the donar, contributor ,co-promoter and implementing agencies.
Funding projects through NCF under CSR recognizes that corporate social responsibility is not merely compliance; it is a commitment to support initiatives that measurably improve the initiatives largely in Nation’s interest. Among many focus areas as notified under Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 and Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules 2014, CSR funding for preservation of cultural property can be covered in the following clause of CSR policy
“Protection of national heritage, art & culture including restoration of buildings & sites of historical importance & works of art; setting up public libraries; promotion & development of traditional arts & handicrafts;”
NCF partakes inbuilt accountability towards the Indian Parliament and the donors for the activities commissioned under its aegis. In a larger sense the NCF is envisaged to work in partnership and coherence with the Corporate and Public Sector, NGOs, and State Governments, to allow them to contribute towards the conservation, preservation and development of the tangible and intangible culture and cultural expressions.
Simultaneously NCF is striving further to bolster inter-disciplinary research; the creation of new galleries, museums and imparting/organizing skill enhancing professional training in cultural activities.
Through these diverse initiatives, programs and ideas, NCF seeks to stimulate and spearhead the heritage awareness with special reference to preservation, conservation and maintenance of India’s rich cultural property, both tangible and intangible and is striving towards propagating knowledge and appreciation of the heritage of India.
NCF Process
NCF Vision
NCF's role is to establish relationships between private, public, government (central and state), non-government agencies, private institutions and foundations and mobilise resources for the restoration, conservation, protection and development of India's rich, natural, tangible and intangible heritage.
Features Of NCF
- National Culture Fund(NCF) provide a dependable and innovative platform for partnerships in the field of heritage, culture and the arts. In this endeavour we wish to join hands with enlightened citizens to help replenish our culture.
- National Culture Fund (NCF) has a transparent fund management system for each of our projects. The projects are overseen by a Project Implementation committee (PIC) that has representatives from the Donor, Implementer and NCF. The accounts of NCF are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India annually.
- National Culture Fund (NCF) serves as a mechanism to put the Donor in touch with agencies of established credibility to implement cultural projects of their choice in any part of the country.
- National Culture Fund (NCF) invites all to partner with NCF in a long lasting relationship with the cultural community of India to strengthen our common future
Smt. Sudha Murty
A businesswoman, educator, author and philanthropist who is the chairperson of Murty Foundation Bengaluru. Founded several orphanages, participated in rural development efforts, and supported the movement to provide all Karnataka government schools with computer and library facilities
She has been awarded Padma Bhushan by the Government of India, Rajyaprashasti Award by the Karnataka Government, Attimabbe Award by the Government of Karnataka , Lifetime Achievement Award by Crossword Books and many others.
Shri. Harshavardhan Neotia
He is the chairman of the Ambuja Neotia Group, a conglomerate headquartered in Kolkata. He is a Harvard School Alumni and founder of first joint sector company in India.
Received Padma Shri in 1999 for his outstanding initiative in the field of social housing. Awarded with YPO Legacy of Honour Award.
Spearheaded many business ventures in Real estate , healthcare and many others
Dr. Kalpana Saroj
An entrepreneur and a TEDx speaker. She is the Chairperson of Kamani Tubes in Mumbai, India. She bought the distressed assets of Kamani Tubes Company and successfully steered the company back to profitability. Spearheaded entrepreneur ventures in Film production and Real estate.
Felicitated with Savitri Bai Phule Award.
Formed an organization for unemployed youth in Maharashtra Established Rashtriya Ekta Yuva Manch.
Shri. Sudhir Mehta
Chairman & Managing Director of Pinnacle Industries Ltd. India‘s largest commercial vehicle seating and interiors company. The University of Chicago Alumni also is a founder to EKA, a commercial electric vehicles & technology Company.
Awarded Maharashtra Bal Stambh, Successful Entrepreneur Award, 2022 and Pride of Pune.
Served as Director on the Board / Member to Various Institutes, Planning committee and Governing councils.
Sh. A Narayana Raju
Managing Director, NCC Urban Infrastructure Ltd.
Education: B.E
Sh. Alluri Narayana S. Raju has vast experience spanning 28 years in the construction industry. He has been a Director of NCC Urban Infrastructure Limited since December 08, 2005. He serves as a Director of NCC Vizag Urban Infrastructure Ltd., NCC Infrastructure Holdings Ltd., Western UP Tollway Ltd. and Himachal Sorang Power Pvt. Ltd. He served as Wholetime Director/ Executive Director of NCC Limited until March 31, 2007.
Ms. Srividya Gunampalli
Vice-Chairperson of G Pulla Reddy Charities Trust and G Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science (For Women)
Graduate degree in Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) Hyderabad, Telangana & MBA from ICFAI
Shri. Milind Kamble
He is an Indian entrepreneur and the founder of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. DICCI mandates its members to provide half of the jobs on offer in their enterprises to Dalits and has programmes for education and training support for Dalits. The organisation has five chapters and 500 members.
He was graduated in engineering and launched a construction company, Fortune Construction Company.
Received Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour in 2013 for his contribution to the fields of trade and industry.
Shri. Vishad P. Mafatlal
He is the Executive Chairman of Navin Fluorine International Limited (NFIL- part of Padmanabh Mafatlal Group public listed ).He is the Wharton School Alumni with the successful business history in Textiles, inorganic and speciality Chemicals , refrigerant gases etc.
He is also the Chairman of Shri Sadguru Seva Sangh Trust (est. 1968), a Social and Charitable Trust in M.P. / U.P. providing services in the areas of health and eye care, education, agriculture and rural development to the under privileged masses.
Shri. P. Murali
He is an astute and versatile and professional offering a rich mixture of experience and success in several businesses. At present he is the Managing Director, Green Signal Bio Pharma Private Limited.
A competent professional with over 19 years of rich & extensive experience in IT Industry and Pharma Production, Installation & Commissioning, Quality Management & Man Management. International experience in four different countries with focus of developing and bringing new projects to market, growing businesses and building relationships.
Represented India at several International Health Summits. Coordinating developing and promoting health and eco tourism in India through partnership in Dubai, London and India.
Dr. Chinmay Pandya
He is the Pro Vice Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya University, Haridwar. Occupies multiple roles in the life of his University and beyond. As an Editor of the Dev Sanskriti, an Interdisciplinary International Journal that addresses a abroad range of Indian intellectual interests including Vedic philosophy, culture, psychology, communication, education, Ayurveda, Indian and Eastern studies and religious pedagogies.
To name few association, he is Governing Body of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Member of the Advisory Council of the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH); Chairman of Asia’s first and only Center for Baltic Culture and Studies and South Asian Institute of Peace and Reconciliation.
Smt. Oorvasi Gandhi
Ms. Oorvasi Gandhi, has been working as Social activist for Transgenders and women empowerment since 20 years in Tamilnadu and South India region.
She has worked with many well known organisations such as Arogyam, Sakhee Foundation, Melon Melinda Gates foundation, State Government programs. She has also worked as Community Advisor for many skill development, empowerment, society and medical awareness programs especially for Transgenders and Women.
Despite having faced many social, economical and family related issues , she put her best efforts towards the community’s well being & protection of Transgender Rights, which were appreciated and recognized.
Smt. Lakhimi Baruah
She is an Indian banker, social worker and founder and Managing Director of Assam’s first women run Co-operative bank Konoklata Mahila Urban Cooperative bank for women. She also has an identity as a social worker raising hope among women. Her contribution to the society for empowering women with the unique and exemplary idea of an All Women Bank has been recognized by both National & International media, Social and other organizations. For her work the society Assam XahityaXabha gave her the title “KARMASHREE” in the year 2006.
She has been Awarded with Padma Shri award 2021 In recognition of her efforts to financially empower the Assamese women. Felicitated with North East Excellence award 2017 by Telegraph, ABP Group and many others.
Ms. Sheela Balaji
She is the Managing Trustee of AIM for Seva and Swami Dayananda Educational Trust (SDET). She is also the Chairperson & Managing Trustee of Arsha Vidya Research & Publication Trust.
She has primarily directed her efforts towards providing rural children and youth access to a high quality learning experience at the grassroots level, focusing on societal transformation through the establishment of various educational institutions
Received the ‘Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017’ from the Ministry of Women & Child Development for exceptional leadership skills and exemplary achievements. This is the highest civilian honour
Smt. Veena Sikri
She is a Professor, Ford Foundation Chair, Bangladesh Studies Programme, and Convener, South Asia Women's Network (SWAN), She was a visiting Senior Research Fellow, Institute of South East Asian Studies, Singapore, and Visiting Professor and Honorary Adviser, for Academy of Third World Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia .
Some of the books published :
"Contemporarising Tagore and the World", published in February 2013
"The Geopolitics of Bangladesh" published in the November 2009
"India-Bangladesh Relations : The Way Ahead" published in India Quarterly, the Journal of the ICWA
Shri. Jangchup Choeden
He is the Executive Director of Geluk International Foundation, a Charity Organisation NGO, and a freelance Dharma teacher.
He is holding various positions as –
Deputy Secretary General, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Delhi
Vice President, Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT), Delhi
Sangha Advisor, Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia (VBCM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Advisor, Sri Lankan and Tibetan Buddhist Brotherhood Society (SLTBBS), Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trustee at Pipal Tree, Bangalore based social, environmental and cultural organization.
Shri. Anurag Singhal
He is a young industrialist driven by social purpose. He negotiates his time between his businesses and his passion towards reforming Indian education.
He is the Managing Director of The Doon Valley Public School(s) in Deoband & Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. His organisations, Osho Industries and Osho Packaging are one of the leading players in the packaging industry in India.
An alumnus of the IIM Ahmedabad. He also holds a diploma in ‘Leadership and Management’ from Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, Mumbai.
Previously he also worked with Infosys as a software engineer. He is closely and directly working with several Government Schools and Vidya Bharati schools in Uttar Pradesh.
Shri Jaithirth Rao
Shri Jerry Rao is an Indian businessman and entrepreneur. He has rich and diversified experience in international banking and in IT services. He has been a promoter of companies in financing for affordable housing
An alumni of IIM and IIT, has involvement in many not-for-profit organization: Member of the Managing Committee of the Indian Banking Association/ Chairman to NASSCOM foundation and India Foundation for the Arts. and many others
Currently he is on the Governing Board of the Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai and has been involved in teaching at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Fostiima Business School and Indica Academy.
Sh. Subba Reddy
Managing director of VAMSIRAM BUILDERS PRIVATE LIMITED –A Private Limited Company,Telangana
Sh. Kavesh Talwar
CEO of Talwar constructions & farmhouse, chain of Hotels all over India.