MoTA and IGNCA Sign MoU for Preservation and Promotion of Tribal Cultural Heritage

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28 September 2026 in New Delhi. IGNCA is an autonomous trust under the Ministry of Culture. The MoU covers the preservation, documentation, digitisation, research and promotion of India's tribal cultural heritage.

MoTA and IGNCA MoU Aim

The MoU sets up a formal framework for both institutions to work together. MoTA brings its network of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs), while IGNCA brings its archival, academic, research and curatorial skills. Together, they want to record, protect and spread awareness about tribal arts, music, languages, oral traditions, folklore, crafts, customary practices and traditional knowledge. Much of this heritage is living and community-based, and some of it is fading away.

Who Was Present At MoTA and IGNCA MoU

• Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• Dr. K. Anil Kumar, HoD, IGNCA
• Senior officials from both organisations

Key Features of MoTA and IGNCA MoU

• Documentation and digitisation: Vanishing tribal arts, music, musical instruments and tribal cuisines will be identified, recorded and published.
• Endangered heritage: Support for protecting endangered tribal languages, oral traditions, indigenous art forms and folklore.
• Galleries and museums: Dedicated galleries and digital museums will show tribal arts and artefacts, along with the role tribal communities played in India's freedom struggle.
• Digital archives: IGNCA will help build digital archives and interactive museum galleries.
• Youth camps: Camps in schools, colleges and other learning centres will teach students about tribal culture, sustainable conservation and customary practices.
• Wider reach: Exhibitions, publications, digital platforms and cultural festivals will help share this heritage.

How is this MoTA and IGNCA MoU important for India?

India's tribal communities hold a huge variety of cultural knowledge, and much of it has never been properly recorded. This MoU can help save it for future generations. Ranjana Chopra said the partnership will add to tribal empowerment and bring more recognition to tribal cultural traditions. It will also give tribal scholars, artists, artisans, performers and knowledge holders more visibility at national and international levels.