The funds allocated for the development and conservation of museums and archaeological sites are not enough to “meet the financial needs of India’s cultural heritage”, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture has said in its report tabled in Parliament on Monday. The panel urged a higher fund allocation.
“The present budget allocation...is insufficient for developing and conserving museums and archaeological sites and falls short to meet the financial needs of India’s cultural heritage. The committee, therefore, recommends that the (culture) ministry should make a strong case for higher fund allocation and would also urge the ministry of finance to be considerate to preserve our rich cultural heritage.”
The report said it is imperative for the concerned ministry to seek participation from the private sector for the necessary investment needed to have the country’s museums, monuments, and archaeological sites at par with international standards. It added the revenue monuments and archaeological sites generate be left with the culture ministry for their development and conservation.
The panel recommended the digitisation of museums to ensure a permanent record of artefacts and check their “pilferage”. It said cultural events be organised at museums and monuments along with training and short-term camps for artisans to enhance their competency. The panel also recommended the introduction of a course on museology in the curriculum at the senior secondary school level.
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