The Lok Sabha on December 05, 2025, issued the Cultural Mapping Bill, 2024.
The following has been stated namely: -
• The Bill proposes to establish a Cultural Mapping Board under the Central Government to identify, map, and protect India’s cultural heritage, including endangered arts, traditions, and crafts, using Geographic Information System (GIS) and related technology.
• It defines key terms such as “cultural heritage,” “folk artist,” and “mapping,” and empowers the Board to advise the Government, frame schemes for financial support, and undertake inquiries or actions related to cultural heritage.
• The Board will consist of expert members appointed by the Government and will have a dedicated secretariat to carry out its functions.
• The Bill also creates offences for damaging cultural heritage, with penalties including imprisonment and fines to deter such acts.
• It mandates annual reporting by the Board to Parliament and provides rule-making powers to the Central Government for implementation.
[Bill No. 209 of 2024]
