Question : NATIONAL MUSEUM

(a): whether out of the total 15 galleries of the National Museum at New Delhi, 7 are lying closed as date;

(b): if so , the reasons for closure of almost half of the galleries;

(c): whether the Museum is not headed by a qualified and senior museologist for several years;

(d): if so , the details thereof and the reason therefor;

(e): the immediate measures being taken by the Government for re- opening of the closed galleries of the Museum especially in view of the fact a large numbers of tourists are expected to visit New Delhi the coming Commonwealth Games events;

(f): whether the National Museum has been neglected for the past several years ;and

(g): if so, the reasons therefor and the steps taken or proposed to be taken to renovate and modernize the national museum?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR PLANNING & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a) & (b): Out of the 26 galleries in the National Museum at New Delhi, 6 are temporarily closed for undertaking renovation works and for other compelling administration eaigancies.

(c) & (d): During the period from 1996 to 2007, three professionals namely Dr. S. S. Biswas(15-04-96 to 30-11-97), Dr. R. D. Choudhary (21-12-98 to 30-04-2004) and Dr. A.K.V.S. Reddy(16-01-06 to 21-09-07 ) were appointed as Director General to head the National Museum. The post of Director General, National Museum fell vacant upon Dr. A.K.V.S. Reddy seeking premature repatriation to Salar Jung Museum in September, 2007. Though the post was advertised to be filled up but therefore, government revised the Recruitment Rules of posts important heads of Cultural institutions for filling there up by professionals through Search- Cum Selection procedure. The Process for finalization of the revision Recruitment Rules was completed in October 2009 and the vacancy was advertised for filling up the post as per the revised Recruitment Rules. The high level Search- Cum- Selection Committee did not find any suitable candidate for the post of Director General and as such, the post is still vacant. However, the process of looking for a suitable candidate, under the search mode is still on. Additional charge of the post Director General, National Museum has been given, in the meantime to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture until the post is filled up on regular basis.

(e): National Museum has already initiated actions for renovation work of these galleries.

(f): No, Sir.

(g): Does not arise. Some immediate steps like refurbishment of signages, both external and internal apart, sprucing up the glass case around the chariot at the entrance of the National Museum etc. have been taken up. External cleaning of the facade is also being undertaken. Besides, galleries on Harappan Civilization, Indian Miniature Paintings, Coins and Arms & Armour have been modernized.