Introduction

The Ministry of Culture has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to document the diverse heritage of rural India. Through the 'Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar' (MGMD) portal, operating under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM), the government has successfully created cultural profiles for over 6.23 lakh villages nationwide. This sweeping initiative aims to create a comprehensive digital repository of the country's rural soul, capturing elements that define local identities across all States and Union Territories.

Key Facts: The Mapping Mission
Total Villages Covered

6.23 Lakh

India Digitally Maps Over 6 Lakh Villages in Massive Cultural Heritage Drive - Image 1
Program Name

Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD)

Budget Allocation (FY 2021-26)

Rs. 89.99 Crore

Approx. Funds Utilized

Rs. 53.4351 Crore

Highest Coverage State

Uttar Pradesh (1,03,003 villages)

Scope of Documentation

The MGMD portal goes beyond geographical data to capture the living heritage of rural communities. The documentation is extensive, covering both tangible and intangible cultural assets. Key elements being recorded include:

  • Oral traditions and local languages.
  • Beliefs, customs, fairs, and festivals.
  • Traditional art forms, dress, and ornaments.
  • Historical significance and local landmarks.
  • Traditional food systems.
  • Profiles of prominent local artists.

Currently, the data on the portal is organized village-wise rather than being categorized by specific cultural categories across states.

Official Statement & Objectives

According to Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the core objective of the MGMD programme is to strengthen rural identity by creating authentic, village-level cultural profiles. These profiles recognize and document local traditions and heritage assets. Furthermore, the availability of this structured data on a unified national portal is intended to support planning for rural tourism and educational initiatives, thereby contributing to sustainable livelihood generation and overall rural economic development.

Source Information

This information is based on a press release from the Ministry of Culture, detailing a written reply given in the Rajya Sabha on January 29, 2026.

Original Source Link: Press Information Bureau (PIB) Release ID: 2220055

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there a second phase planned for the cultural mapping mission?
According to the Ministry, there is currently no specific plan for a second phase of mapping as of January 2026.
Q. Does the MGMD program provide direct financial benefits to artisans whose work is mapped?
No. The current structure of the MGMD programme does not have provisions for leveraging the mapped heritage data to provide direct benefits to local artisans or institutions.
Q. How many villages have been mapped in Uttar Pradesh?
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of uploaded villages on the portal, totaling 1,03,003.
Q. What is the primary goal of this data collection?
The goal is to create authentic cultural profiles to strengthen rural identity and use the structured data for planning rural tourism and educational activities, fostering economic development.