The Kalakshetra Foundation Act, 1993
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Culture
Act details
| Short title | The Kalakshetra Foundation Act, 1993 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to declare Kalakshetra of Madras to be an institution of national importance to provide for the establishment and incorporation of a Foundation for its administration, to make provisions for further development of Kalakshetra in accordance with the aims and objects for which Kalakshetra was founded and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. |
| Act number | 6 of 1994 |
| Act year | 1994 |
| Enactment date | 4 Jan 1994 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Culture |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 35 |
| Schedules | 2 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 29 Oct 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Legislative history
Legislative History:
The Kalakshetra Foundation Act, 1993
Act Title The Kalakshetra Foundation Act, 1993
Act Number 6 of 1994
Act ID (India Code) 199406
Presidential Assent Date January 4, 1994
Enforcement Date September 29, 1993
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Culture
Precedent & Historical Rationale
1. Preservation of Cultural Heritage:
o Founded in 1936 by the legendary dancer and theosophist Rukmini Devi Arundale at Adyar, Madras (Chennai), Kalakshetra grew into a globally renowned center for traditional Indian art, classical music, dance-drama, and Bharatanatyam. Following her passing and facing administrative and financial challenges, ensuring its long-term preservation became a matter of national priority.
2. Declaration of National Importance:
o To safeguard its unique ethos, pristine traditions, and properties from commercial or administrative instability, the Central Government stepped in to legally declare Kalakshetra an institution of national importance and establish a statutory corporate body—the Kalakshetra Foundation—to manage its affairs.
Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
• Formulation: Initially promulgated as an Ordinance to secure the assets, management, and properties of the institution under direct national protection.
• Parliamentary Passage: Introduced as a Bill to replace the Ordinance, it received bipartisan support and was passed by both Houses of Parliament.
• Presidential Assent: Received Presidential Assent on January 4, 1994.
• Enforcement: Enforced on September 29, 1993.
• Source: Official Records of Parliament, India Code, and Ministry of Culture.