(a) whether the Government are aware of the steady deterioration of the state of affairs of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Kolkata;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken to tone up this great historical institution and to restore its former glory?
MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI JAGMOHAN)
(a) to (c) : Asiatic Society of Bengal is an autonomous body funded by the Department of Culture, Government of India. The affairs of the Society are managed by a Council and its Committees. Government is of the view that there is room for improvement in the functioning of the Society. An Expert Committee has been constituted to go into various aspects of the functioning of Asiatic Society. Action will be taken after the Expert Committee report is received.