Question : Artefacts of Air India

(a) whether the Government has clarified the details regarding the ownership of art collection built by J.R.D. Tata after mega Air India transfer deal with the Tata''s;
(b) if so, the details regarding the future of the said art collection;
(c) whether some of the artefacts are in a dilapidated condition and are not maintained properly by Air India Officials and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether some artefacts are missing and even available for sale in the market and if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether some former or serving Air India officials are indulged in stealing and selling of such aftefacts in the market; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken/likely to be taken by the Government against such erring Officials?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

(a) and (b): The Government has decided to transfer the art collection of Air India to National Gallery of Modern Art, an organization under Ministry of Culture. ;
(c) and (d): Presently, the art collection of Air India is kept in the Air India Building in Mumbai under 24 x 7 CCTV surveillance under the supervision of the security personnel. As per records of Air India, 19 paintings were destroyed in various fire incidents, 02 were scrapped, 01 was broken and few were not traceable. Further, one painting "Flying Apsara" was found stolen/misplaced. A FIR in the case was registered with Delhi Police. The painting was subsequently recovered.
(e): No such instance has come to the notice of the Ministry.
(f): Does not arise in view of (e) above.
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