New Delhi, Dec 29 (PTI) Veteran actress Hema Malini todaydemanded immediate steps by the culture ministry to protectvarious forms of folk dance and music which are on the vergeof extinction, saying the country's rich cultural heritagemust be preserved.
Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour, shesaid though the popularity of some of India's folk culture wason the rise abroad, these were losing prominence in thecountry.
"Cultural heritage is one of the most key aspects for anycountry. But unfortunately, various forms of folk dances andmusic are dying in India. We must protect them," Malini said.
The BJP MP, who represents Mathura Lok Sabhaconstituency, sought immediate steps by the culture ministryto preserve the country's rich and diverse folk culture.
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda raised the issue ofgrievances raised by retired para-military forces and saidthey should be paid retirement benefits on par with armedforces personnel including pension on the basis of one-rank-one-pension scheme.
Hooda suggested that the paramilitary forces should berenamed as 'internal security forces' as they are fullycompetant in dealing with any security threat.
"They are called 'ardh sainik bal' or paramilitaryforces. We should change the name. I suggest they can berenamed as internal security force," said Hooda. PTI MPBARC.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.