Question : UNESCO VISIT OF MUSEUM

(a) whether UNESCO, after surveying eight national museums in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata informed that no efforts are made by the Government to improve museums and there are no basic facilities in these museums;

(b) if so, whether the Government received any representation from UNESCO in this regard;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to improve the facilities at national museums in these cities; and

(d) the funds allocated for the maintenance of these museums during the last three years, and the current year?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING, PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSION (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a)to (c) In July 2010, the Cultural unit of UNESCO office in Delhi carried out a public opinion survey of 5 museums in Delhi, two of which do not come under the premises of Ministry of Culture. Upon receipt of a copy of the report, a number of issues relating to the methodology of the opinion survey were brought to the notice of UNESCO office in Delhi. These included:

i) The sample size of 23 surveyors drawn from 3-4 organizations was not a representative sample.
ii) The report contained 47 graphs analysing the data collected by 23 surveyors, leading to skewed analysis.
iii) There were calculation errors in computing the scoring and ratings, giving an inaccurate picture.
iv) ‘Snapshot’ method of conducting the survey was not appropriate to the subject at hand.

However, taking into account the need for improvement in facilities and management of the museums, which is a continuous process, the Ministry is implementing a ‘14 issues’ reforms agenda, across various museums under its aegis, covering the following aspect.

(i) Collections & Store Management.
(ii) Proper/ Scientific Display of Artifacts.
(iii) Information, Signages, Floor Plans & Visitor Facilities.
(iv) Museum Shops and Souvenirs.
(v) Multi- Media, Audio Visuals & Guide Facilities.
(vi) Attract various Audience Segments including Students & Children.
(vii) Image Building, Publicity and Cultural Events.
(viii) Visiting & Travelling Exhibitions. (ix) Expansion & Acquisition of Collections.
(x) Professional Development of Museum Personnel
(xi) Implementation of Plan Schemes & Special Policy.
(xii) Security- Modern Techniques.
(xiii) Conservation & Restoration.
(xiv) Interactions with Academics, Archaeologist & Artist)

(d) The funds allocated for the maintenance of the three museums under the Ministry of Culture that were included in the opinion survey, during the last three years, and the current year are as under.

(Rs. in lakh)	2007-08	2008-09	2009-10	2010-11
1.	National Museum,New Delhi	700.00	800.00	750.00	1000.00
2.	NGMA,New Delhi	400.00	450.00	530.00	700.00
3.	Archeological Museum, Red Fort	7.10	48.78	62.75	67.00