KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Federal Affairs, Constituent Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs and Culture has allocated Rs 59 million for cultural committees and private organisations working in the culture and heritage sector across the country.

According to the ministry sources, the budget will be distributed among more than 170 organisations, including the government committees, social and non-government organisations, temples, monasteries, and other cultural and religious groups. The budget will be allocated to 108 organisations this year.

The ministry has promised to provide funds to additional 64 such organisations. However, the government did not approved the budget for them, said the officials at the planning division. “We need additional Rs 8.4 million to assist them.”

The government trusts that will benefit from the budget are: Mahakavi Vidyapati Memorial Centre, Devghat Area Development Committee, Halesi Mahadev Development Committee, Budhanilkantha Development Committee, Manakamana Area Development Committee, Pathivara Area Development Committee, Bhanujanmasthal Area Development Committee, Patan Museum Development Committee and Bouddhanath Area Development Committee.

Jaya Ram Shrestha, archaeology officer at the ministry, said the budget distribution has begun for those who present the necessary documents of the organisations. “A fund of up to Rs 10 million is being given this year,” he added.