National Culture Fund

Schemes in News

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), National Culture Fund (NCF) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for conservation and development works at Hampi, Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort.
HAL has given in-principle approval of ₹23.60 crore for these projects during 2026-27 to 2028-29.

The National Culture Fund (NCF) is a trust under the Ministry of Culture, established on 28 November 1996 under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890.
It mobilises additional resources for conservation and promotion of India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
It enables participation by government bodies, corporates, PSUs, institutions and individuals in approved cultural projects.
Its activities include conservation of monuments, documentation of traditional cultural expressions, development of museums and galleries, and training of cultural specialists and administrators.

NCF is governed by a Council chaired by the Union Minister of Culture, with a maximum strength of 25 members, which determines broad policies.
An Executive Committee headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Culture implements these policies.
It can receive contributions from corporates, PSUs, banks, trusts, institutions and individuals for approved heritage and cultural projects.
Donations are eligible for 100% tax benefit under Section 80G, subject to applicable conditions.
Heritage-related contributions can also qualify as CSR expenditure under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
Through this mechanism, NCF connects donors, implementing agencies and heritage institutions for conservation and cultural-development projects.

The 2026 MoA covers Hampi in Karnataka, Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh and Bekal Fort in Kerala.
NCF facilitates coordination between HAL and ASI, while ASI provides technical guidance and supervision.
The projects aim to improve heritage conservation, visitor facilities and sustainable tourism.
The partnership shows how NCF uses corporate participation and institutional collaboration to support heritage conservation.

Q1. When was the National Culture Fund established?
It was established on 28 November 1996.

Q2. Under which ministry does NCF function?
The Ministry of Culture.

Q3. Who chairs the NCF Council?
The Union Minister of Culture.

Q4. What is the maximum strength of the NCF Council?
A maximum of 25 members.

Q5. Which heritage sites are covered under the recent HAL–NCF–ASI MoA?
Hampi, Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort.