PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

Transcription

1 PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA 167 DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND CULTURE ONE HUNDRED SIXTY SEVENTH REPORT ON THE FUNCTIONING OF NATIONAL MUSEUM (PRESENTED TO THE RAJYA SABHA ON 10 MARCH, 2011) TH (PRESENTED TO THE RAJYA SABHA ON 10 MARCH, 2011) (LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA ON 11 MARCH, 2011) TH (LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA ON 11 MARCH, 2011) RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI MARCH, 2011/PHALGUNA, 1932 (SAKA)

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3 PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND CULTURE ONE HUNDRED SIXTY SEVENTH REPORT ON THE FUNCTIONING OF NATIONAL MUSEUM (PRESENTED TO THE RAJYA SABHA ON 10 TH MARCH, 2011) (LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA ON 11 TH MARCH, 2011) RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI MARCH, 2011/PHALGUNA, 1932 (SAKA)

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5 CONTENTS PAGES 1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE... (i)-(ii) 2. INTRODUCTION... (iii) 3. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS/CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS AT A GLANCE MINUTES

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7 COMPOSITION OF THE DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND CULTURE ( ) 1. Shri Sitaram Yechury Chairman RAJYA SABHA 2. Shri Ramdas Agarwal 3. Shri Shadi Lal Batra 4. Shri Narendra Kashyap 5. Shri Pyarimohan Mohapatra 6. Shri Syed Azeez Pasha 7. Shri Thomas Sangma 8. Shri Satish Sharma 9. Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz 10. Shri Vikram Verma LOK SABHA 11. Yogi Aditya Nath 12. Shri Avtar Singh Bhadana 13. Shri V. Kishore Chandra S. Deo 14. Shrimati Bhavana Gawali Patil 15. Dr. Mahesh Joshi 16. Shri P. Karunakaran 17. Shri Jose K. Mani 18. Shrimati Ranee Narah 19. Shri Rajaram Pal 20. Shri Bal Kumar Patel 21. Shri Nama Nageswara Rao 22. Shri Sharief-ud-din Shariq 23. Shri Madan Lal Sharma 24. Shri Dushyant Singh 25. Shri Jitendra Singh 26. Shri Rakesh Singh 27. Shri Shatrughan Sinha 28. Shri K. Sugumar 29. Shri Kabir Suman 30. Shri Anurag Singh Thakur 31. Shri K.C. Venugopal* * Ceased to be Member w.e.f. 19 th January, (i)

8 (ii) SECRETARIAT Shri N.K. Singh, Joint Secretary Shri Jagdish Kumar, Director Shri Swarabji B., Joint Director Shrimati Nidhi Chaturvedi, Assistant Director

9 INTRODUCTION I, the Chairman, Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, having been authorised by the Committee, do hereby present on its behalf this One Hundred Sixty Seventh Report on Functioning of National Museum. 2. The Committee had decided to examine the functioning of National Museum in view of certain feedback received about its facilities and upkeep. The Committee visited National Museum on 14 th September, The Committee held discussions with the Ministry of Culture and CPWD on 30 th September, The Committee expresses its gratitude to the officers of the Ministry of Culture and National Museum for their cooperation in furnishing the required feedback and information in connection with the examination of the subject. 4. The Committee considered and adopted the Report at its meeting held on the 25 th January, NEW DELHI; January 25, 2011 Magha 5, 1932 (Saka) SITARAM YECHURY Chairman, Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture. (iii)

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11 1 REPORT 1. The National Museum which was formally inaugurated in August, 1949 in Delhi has in its possession over 2 lakhs works of exquisite art, both Indian and foreign origin, covering more than 5000 years of cultural heritage. The Museum houses collections of Pre-historic Archaeology, Archaeology, Anthropology, Jewellery, Paintings, Decorative Arts, Manuscript, Central Asian Antiquities, Numismatics, Arms and Armour pre-columbian and Western Art epigraphy, etc. The National Museum initially housed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, was shifted to its present building at Janpath in the year It is now within the administrative control and fully financed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. 2. National Museum was set up with the following vision:- (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) To Collect antiquities and art objects of historical, cultural and artistic significance for their protection, preservation and research; To disseminate knowledge about significance of the objects, their history, culture and artistic excellence; To serve as a cultural center for enjoyment and interaction of people in and around artistic and cultural activity; and To serve as the National Art Treasure House 3. The Committee had received some inputs about the prevailing state of affairs in all the Museums under the Union Ministry of Culture, particularly about the National Museum, New Delhi. The issue was placed before the Committee and it was decided to go into the affairs of this Museum. Accordingly, it also decided to make an on-the-spot visit of the Museum, which was done on the 14 th September, During the interactions with the Museum authorities and those from the Ministry, the following major issues came up on which the observations/recommendations of the Committee have been given in the following paragraphs: CLOSURE OF GALLERIES 5. During the visit, the Committee was informed that the Octagonal building of the National Museum had three floors i.e. Ground, First and Second and has in all 26 galleries. Out of these, 20 galleries were open to the public and 6 galleries were closed for renovation. The Ministry provided the status of these six galleries and stated that two new galleries namely, Early Man and Ethnic Arts were to be opened shortly. 6. When the attention of the Ministry of Culture was drawn to the reported closure of galleries in National Museum, the Ministry informed about the status of these galleries which is as follows: Galleries open to the public Ground Floor Galleries under renovation Ground Floor 1. Harappan Civilization 1. Decorative Arts-I. 2. Maurya, Sunga, Satavahana Art 2. Manuscripts.

12 2 3. Kushan (Gandhara & Mathura) 3. Central Asian Antiquities-II including Ikshavaku Art 4. Gupta Art 4. Tanjavur Paintings. 5. Early Medieval Art 5. Musical Instruments. 6. Bronzes 6. Wood Carving 7. Late Medieval Art 8. Buddhist Art 9. Indian Miniature Paintings 10. Transparencies of Indian Scripts & Coins 11. Decorative Arts-II 12. Coins 13. Central Asian Antiquities-I 14. Maritime Heritage 15. Ajanta Paintings 16. Decorative Arts and Textiles 17. Pre-Columbian & Western Art 18. Coins and Copper Plates 19. Tribal Life Style in North-East 20. Arms & Armour 7. When asked about the reasons for closure of the six galleries, the Committee was informed as follows:- (i) (ii) Decorative Arts-I: This gallery was vacated for Nizams Jewellery exhibition and further used for mounting other temporary exhibition like Zenkoji, Iranian Days, Faberge etc. and the work relating to redisplay of decorative art objects was started in January, 2009 but the work could not be completed due to shortage of display materials. Manuscripts: For modernization of this gallery, the existing exhibits were shifted to the store in April, 2003 and 12 specially designed stainless steel showcases with Pull and Slider System for smooth operator of showcases glasses and proper locking system were purchased from the local market. Similar 13 wooden showcases were fabricated in house with a view to have metallic Pull and Slider System as said above. Quotations for the same have been received and processed but not yet finalised pending a demo on the same as the technical specifications are under review. (iii) Central Asian Antiquities-II: Due to second floor roof leakage, the Central Asian Murals were shifted from second floor to Central Asian Antiquities-II Gallery in April, However, after the roof treatment made by CPWD, these exhibits were sent back to second floor. But presently, the space of this gallery is being used for storing the packet boxes of Garden and Cosmos exhibition and few other Central Asian objects.

13 3 Four galleries namely Harappan Civilization, Indian Miniature Paintings, Coins and Arms & Armour have been renovated. Rest of the galleries, except Old Coins and Copper Plates Gallery in the Second Floor, have been partially renovated since they were first installed. The Committee was informed that there are two Coins Galleries one Old Coins and Copper Plates Gallery in the second floor and the other Coins Gallery in the first floor. The former gallery was mounted in 1960 with 204 coins dated from 2 nd Cent. B.C. along with some copper plates grants. As the old coins and copper plates gallery in the second floor was comparatively small in size, therefore, a new Coins Gallery was mounted in 2005 in the first floor with 1669 coins dating from 6 th Cent. B.C. Wherein varieties of India coins are displayed. (iv) Tanjavur Paintings: All the old frames of each of the Tanjavur School of Paintings on display was to be replaced and work has been started in July, 2007 but due to shortage of synthetic moulding and other wooden materials, the work could not be completed. (v) & (vi) Musical Instruments and Wood Carving: In order to upgrade the musical instruments gallery, all the musical instruments on display were shifted to the nearest Wood Carving Gallery as there was roof-leakage in anthropology store and renovation work was started in November, 2008 but could not be completed due to roof leakage in the instruments gallery and shortage of display materials as well. 8. In response to a pointed question as to what was the frequency and time frame of renovation of the galleries, the Ministry informed that there was no laid down frequency of renovation of the galleries. The renovation of the galleries was done, partly or fully, from time to time, whenever needed. A gallery or a showcase with multiple displays of exhibits requires renovation either due to change of its showcase, background clothes or labels required to be modified/replaced, pedestal to be replaced, walls repainted, objects requiring conservation need to be replaced. CPWD was entrusted with the works on walls, fixtures on tracks for general lighting in the gallery, etc. 9. The Committee was further informed that while renovating the galleries, besides display techniques adopted as per the nature of exhibits, the following factors are kept in mind: 1. Refurbishing Redesigning the galleries keeping in mind the visitor Interface and Communication. 2. Contextualize All the Artifacts by Graphic and Textual treatments. 3. Communication Provide layers of information for the curious visitor. 4. Languages Bilingual individual and Group label are provided with the exhibit(s) 5. Displays Redesign display systems for better aesthetics, visibility and safety. 6. Lighting Improvised lighting to highlight the artifact by spot/ focussed lighting besides ambient/led lighting in the Gallery. 7. Technology Use of modem upgradeable device in the form of Projection and Interactive.

14 4 10. Apart from these six galleries mentioned above, it was noted that another important gallery meant for exhibiting valuable jewellery was also closed. This gallery is located in the strong room (vault) of the museum. The gallery was last used in January, Renovation work was required to be undertaken in this space for its usage to display the museum s own collection. However, the same could not be started due to sudden demise of Curator (N&E) on and secondly, the post of Deputy Curator (Jewellery) was vacant since On being asked about the efforts made to fill these posts, it was informed that the proposal for filling up the post of Curator (N&E), was sent to UPSC on In February, 2010, UPSC intimated that number of the candidates was found to be eligible. The post of Deputy Curator (Jewellery), was deemed abolished as it lay vacant for a long time. The proposal for revival of the post was under consideration in the Ministry, in consultation with IFD/Ministry of Finance. 12. Regarding closure/renovation of the galleries, the Secretary while tendering evidence before the Committee inter-alia submitted:...you mentioned about so many galleries being closed. It came to my personal attention only two or three months ago. They write in their notes that Secretary need not be disturbed. I went and found that some of them were closed because of vigilance cases. I protested. If somebody has done something wrong in that gallery, the people of India cannot be deprived of that gallery. I am writing to CBI to take whatever material they want and please take it wherever they want and let us open the gallery. You cannot have galleries closed because of some vigilance case and other problems. I assure you we will go into the closed galleries which came to our notice The Committee is at loss to note that out of 26 galleries in National Museum, 7 remained closed for 3 to 4 years, Manuscript Gallery being closed for 8 years from The Committee found that the reasons given were not convincing at all. For example, Central Asian Antiquities-II gallery after repairing of roof leakages, remained closed as the space of the gallery was being used for storing the exhibition material. Some of the galleries were sealed by the investigation agencies pending vigilance inquiries into theft cases. Decorative arts-i gallery remained closed due to shortage of display materials. Another gallery - Thanjavur Paintings could not be opened because of shortage of synthetic moulding and other wooden material. Two galleries - Musical Instrument and Wooden Carving - were remained closed due to roof leakage and shortage of display material. Another gallery could not be opened after the demise of the Curator in-charge of the gallery in The Committee finds such excuses as shortage of display and other material, posts being vacant, leakage, etc. for keeping the large number of galleries closed for long time, unacceptable. It, in fact, reflects an utterly casual attitude as well as lack of proper planning. Problems mentioned above, if taken up promptly and consistently, should have been undoubtedly sorted out within reasonable time to complete the work. The Committee is of the view that if this is the state of affairs in the National Museum situated in New Delhi, condition of museums in other cities cannot be expected to be any better. The Committee emphasises the need to sensitize the concerned authorities to ensure that the problems enumerated above which led to the closure of almost 1/4 th of the galleries of National Museum, are addressed in time. 15. The Committee finds that the National Museum despite having a large building and a huge collection in its possession, several of its galleries are closed mainly due to lack of

15 5 adequate manpower, essential logistics and proper maintenance. The Committee is also surprised to note that there are no laid down guidelines with regard to the taking up of renovation of galleries of museums and the work is taken up only when the problem has reached to an alarming stage which finally results in closure of galleries. The Committee recommends the Ministry of Culture to explore the techniques and practices available worldover for renovation of galleries and museums. The Committee recommends the Government should frame guidelines for renovation of museums in the country in a fixed time schedule. The guidelines may consist of details as to when and how the galleries will be taken for renovation with a view to ensure that display of the collections continues without interruption. 16. The Committee feels that every Museum should have some extra space so that in case any gallery has to be closed due to renovation, etc., the collection from those galleries could be safely shifted to unutilized space. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the idea of creating additional space/galleries to display more number of collections in its possession, may be considered and acted upon. MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL MUSEUM 17. National Museum is a large building whose maintenance is at present being done through CPWD. The Committee was informed that two types of problems are being faced in the National Museum (1) Leakage/seepage in the roof and walls; (2) Water logging in the basement due to blockage of sewer lines. All these problems become acute during the monsoon season every year. There are more than 10 places in the building where leakage causes severe problems including the 2 nd floor galleries and stores. The water some times comes down to 1 st and ground floor also. 18. The Committee was informed that the CPWD has been doing roof treatment for the last more than a decade. Even then, the leakage continues every year. This year also they have made roof treatment and assured that leakage may not create problem. Inspite of all possible efforts made by the National Museum and paying lakhs of rupees to CPWD, the seepage/leakage and water logging persist. 19. However, recently following works involving civil works have been assigned to the National Council of Science Museum (NCSM). Renovation of Temple Chariot at the lawn of the Museum by NCSM (2010). Uniform External Signage and Uniform Internal Signage System by NCSM (2010). Refurbishing of Special Exhibition Gallery including lighting for Canadian Exhibition by NCSM (2010). Installation of CCTV system in the Special Exhibition Gallery by M/s. Kamex Electronic and Systems Ltd., New Delhi. 20. It was informed that the renovation, replacement and maintenance of the Gallery showcases was being done through departmental carpentry staff and painters who re-touch the Gallery walls and show-cases without the help of the CPWD.

16 6 21. The Committee was also informed that the Air Conditioning plant was 20 years old which required to be overhauled/replaced; condensation problem to be addressed as it leads to water accumulation/flooding in the basement; and modification in the building to make it more effective in climatic control by providing Centralised AC system with insulation of the building. The airconditioning unit should be able to run round the clock, temperature and humidity are required to be maintained at optimum level i.e., temperature 20 C plus/minutes 1 C and relative humidity 50 plus/minus 5%. Arrangements should be made for maintaining above parameters during failure of electricity and water supply. There is a provision for emergency power backup which is not adequate for the entire Museum during electricity failure. 22. The Committee notes the problems faced in maintaining the building of National Museum as CPWD, it appears has not been able to do the job to the satisfaction of museum authorities. Despite their consistent efforts, the problems of water logging, seepage, etc. continue to persist. The Committee is of the view that National Museum is not like any other building; it houses lakhs of invaluable collections and precious items which need to be preserved and maintained under perfect conditions. The CPWD has been engaged in building sector since 1854 including handling of maintenance of buildings of hundreds of cultural institutions in the country. By this time, CPWD must have acquired expertise in handling the maintenance works of the Museums or similar institutions. The Committee recommends that a dedicated wing may be created in the CPWD which can handle the work of maintenance of buildings of cultural institutions like the National Museum. The Committee also recommends that the performance of the CPWD may be closely monitored and in case things do not improve the maintenance of the building of National Museum and its various civil and electrical works may be taken away from CPWD and handed over to some specialized and competent agencies preferably under the Government for better maintenance and upkeep of the Museum building. SECURITY 23. Another disturbing feature that came to the notice of the Committee was the closure of galleries in the museum due to theft and vigilance cases. The Secretary, Department of Culture informed the Committee that he was writing to the CBI about this. The Committee hopes that while the investigative/enforcement agencies must do their work, the Ministry also needs to be seriously looking into this aspect and ensuring that the acts of pilferage, theft, etc. do not recur at all. Needless to say that such things do happen mainly because of lax of security and supervision by the persons on the higher positions in the museum administration. 24. The Committee has been expressing concerns about the security of museums from time to time in its earlier Reports. The museums have highly valuable and precious collections which form part of our rich and diverse heritage. The Committee, therefore, recommends to make use of the best technology available to safeguard the museum to prevent theft or unwanted incidents. The Committee hopes that the matter should be taken up with the investigative agencies to get things expedited and to ensure that the gallery closed due to pending inquiry into theft be opened at the earliest. Display of Exhibits 25. The Committee was informed that only selected exhibits were displayed in any museum for public. For display of objects in a Museum depends on the availability of display area, logistics etc. Position in this regard in various Museums/Galleries is as under:

17 7 Sl. Name of Museum Total No of No of Artifacts on Percentage No. collections of Display % Artifacts 1. National Museum 2,06,000 15, Indian Museum 1,10, Victoria Memorial Hall 28, National Gallery of Modem Art, New Delhi 26. The Committee was informed that out of the total collection of the National Museum as given below, only 7.61% were currently on display: Department Objects Department Objects Anthropology 9,480 Archaeology 9,650 Arms & Armour 6,722 Central Asian 12,382 Decorative Arts 9,444 Jewellry 569 Manuscripts (Persian & 8,718 Manuscripts (Sanskrit) 5,425 Arabic) Numismatics 1,19,603 Epigraphy 322 Paintings 16,323 Pre-Columbian & 2,909 Western Art Pre-Proto historic 5437 Total 2,06, Thus, about 93% of entire collection, the Committee found, was the reserved collection. As per the international standard, it was informed, only a small percentage of possession is displayed at any point of time. However, there is a provision for displaying these objects in rotation by arranging temporary exhibition from the reserved collection. 28. Further, to a query on the number of collections added to the National Museum, the Ministry informed that a total of 2269 objects were added during the period of Out of this 1360 objects were purchased and remaining 906 objects were acquired through gifts, etc. 29. When asked, if this number was not small, the Ministry informed that it was mainly due to Art Acquisition Committee of the National Museum being defunct since The Committee notes that out of 2,06,000/- collections with the National Museum, only 15,681, constituting 7.61 per cent of total collection, were on display. The Committee is not satisfied with the number as well as selection of items on display in the National Museum. The Committee does not agree with the idea of justifying lower display percentage on the basis of this percentage in other museums. Although the Committee was not informed about this percentage in other world museums, it however, learnt that display

18 8 percentage in Louvre in France was about ten. Here also it is less. The Committee was not informed about the capacity of National Museum to have items on display. The Committee feels that our efforts should be to have maximum of them on display at a time to ensure maximum exposure of our rich and diverse heritage to the people. Visitors, in fact, can not come to the National Museum again and again. 31. The Committee also observes that the displays in the Museum are not rotated regularly and therefore, the visitors lose the charm of visiting the museum. The Committee recommends that a year long display-schedule may be drawn up and publicised widely showing which of the artifacts will be on display when, so that people know this beforehand. It would enable them to plan the time of visiting the museum. In the summer vacations, time may be extended in the evening and the museum should be made more attractive/ interesting to the students through creative audio-visual presentations. 32. The Committee expresses its concern about the fact that the Art Acquisition Committee of the National Museum has been defunct for the last 16 years affecting the addition of objects adversely. No justification for this can convince the Committee about this delay. The Committee recommends that reasons for this delay must be looked into and steps be initiated immediately to constitute the Art Acquisition Committee. The Committee would like to be informed about this at the earliest. 33. The Committee fails to understand how the 909 objects ( ) could be added during the period when Art Acquisition Committee was not functioning. The Committee would like to be informed of the procedure adopted for acquisition of collections during that period. VERIFICATION OF COLLECTIONS 34. It was informed that the National Museum usually gets its collection verified by its officers in a routine matter, but due to shortage of staff, it could not be done during recent past. At present, it is understaffed and as soon as its Gazetted posts were filled up, in-house verification of holdings would start. The last physical verification was done in the year The Committee was further informed that a techno-commercial proposal towards consultancy for design & development of the e-museums Project for the National Museum was submitted by the National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), Hyderabad, which will address digitization of Art Objects, Preventive Conservation Project and verification of holdings in the National Museum. 36. The Committee finds it hard to believe that no verification of artifacts kept in the Museum had been done since The Committee expresses its concern about such a casual approach towards protection and upkeep of the valuable treasures of the nation. The Committee fears that when the verification process is taken up some of the objects may be reported missing. Lack of manpower given as reason for not undertaking the verification, is neither convincing nor acceptable. Help of professional agencies may have been taken for doing this verification. The Committee feels that the Ministry should have been more watchful and National Museum pro-active in this regard, which they have failed to do so. The proposal of digitization of art objects is a good effort but physical verification is required to account for the articles. The Committee recommends that the Government should make all out efforts to take up the process of verification of articles without further loss of time and to ensure that the process of verification is started soon and be done regularly in future.

19 9 DIGITIZATION 37. The Committee finds that there is a minimal use of IT in the affairs of National Museum. The Paintings and Manuscripts for major part of the collection in possession of National Museum are very fragile and some of them are rarest of rare and one of its kinds and their frequent physical handling can cause irreparable damage to them. The Committee found that the museum not equipped to use digital and new media. Today in the digital age of internet, interactive games and computers, most museum are in need of drastic upgradation for this purpose. The Committee, therefore, recommends that, as a first step, digitization of objects, both for their conservation and for giving access to scholars, researchers and general public, through Internet and other means must be considered for expeditious implementation. SPACE CONSTRAINT 38. The National Museum is housed in a octagonal building consisting of three floors and have 26 galleries. The National Museum, however, is facing the problem of shortage of space. Only 7% of the collections could be, displayed in the museum due to shortage of adequate space. 39. The Committee was informed that the building of National Museum was planned in three phase - phase I completed in 1960, and phase-ii completed in EFC for phase-iii carried out in 2003 and an amount of Rs.33 crore was sanctioned for the project. Thereafter the plans were submitted for approval of NDMC. However, the work could not be commenced owing to the nonshifting of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) establishments from the National Museum premises. 40. The Committee expresses its concern at slow progress of phase III of the building expansion plan that was started in Seven years is, in fact, too long to justify the delay for whatever reasons. Large number of our collections is not being displayed mainly due to the shortage of display areas. The Committee notes with dismay that despite the fact that the EFC for the phase-iii was carried out way back in 2003 and an amount of Rs.33 crore was also sanctioned, the project is yet to be taken up. The Committee has learnt that the process of providing alternative accommodation to the ASI is on and that is taking time. If the non-shifting of ASI was the main reason of delay in the expansion plan of the museum, the Committee fails to understand why the allocation of alternative accommodation to the ASI was taking such a long time. The Committee hastens to add that while earmarking new accommodation to the ASI, its enhanced need for more space due to its increasing strength should be kept in mind. The Committee recommends that efforts be made to expedite shifting of the ASI to a suitable space so that its functioning is not adversely affected and the expansion plan of the museum could be taken up without further delay. 41. The Committee further recommends that the cost assessment of the project would need to be revised/reviewed and adequate allocation made so that the work does not suffer for want of funds. SIGNAGE 42. The Committee while visiting the Museum noted that the signage and the labels about the displays were unattractive and too small in size to see. Certain errors of translation in Hindi and those of typing were also noticed. The Committee recommends that the immediate steps may be taken to make the signage and tags more visible and attractive to the visitors.

20 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF NATIONAL MUSEUM The National Museum is headed by a Director General (HAG scale). There are three posts of Directors, eleven posts of curators, four posts of Deputy Conservator/Deputy Chemist, eleven posts of Deputy Curators, 22 posts of Assistant Curators and other supporting staff. 44. The vacancies existing in National Museum are as follows: Group Sanctioned Posts Filled Vacant Group A Group B (Gaz) Group B (Others) Group C Group D Total The Committee was informed that the post of Director-General is vacant since September, The vacancy was circulated in October But this could not materialize as the Recruitment Rules (RRs) for the post was to be revised as per the direction of the Prime Minister s Office to fill up the post by professionals in the field through search-cum-selection Committee procedure. The RRs were finalized in October 2009 and the vacancy was advertised for filling up the post. The search-cum-selection Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary did not find any suitable candidate for the post. However, it was informed that the process of looking for suitable candidate, under the search mode, is still on. Additional charge of the post of Director-General, National Museum has been assigned to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture until the post is filled up on regular basis. 46. The Committee was informed that new posts at 2 nd and 3 rd levels i.e., Additional Director General and Joint Director-General are being created. 47. The Committee was further informed that out of 3 posts of Directors, 2 posts were vacant and the third would fall vacant in January 2011; out of the 11 posts of curators, five posts were vacant, all the four posts of Deputy conservator/deputy chemist were vacant; out of 11 posts of Deputy curators, 8 posts were vacant and out of the 22 Assistant Curator level posts, 14 posts were vacant. The Committee was also informed that out of 33 posts of sanctioned at Group A level 21 were lying vacant. 48. The Ministry informed that there were altogether 277 sanctioned posts and 116 cadres/rrs in the National Museum spread over all these groups. Therefore, unified RRs for group A, B C and D category may not be feasible. 49. The Committee was informed that UPSC was the recruiting agency for Group A posts. The steps taken for filling of any vacant post in the National museum is as under: Museum sends proposal for filling up of vacant post to the Ministry. Ministry examines proposal for correctness vis-a-vis the RR attached to the post. The vacancy is circulated to all Ministries/Departments of Government of India and the State Governments inviting applications from eligible candidates.

21 11 An advertisement is issued in the national dailies both in English and Hindi. The advertisement is also sent to the Employment News for being published. They generally take 3 to 4 weeks to publish the advertisement in the Employment News. Generally, applications are invited within 60 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in the Employment News. The countdown for the post begins only on publication of the advertisement in the Employment News. On expiry of the last date, the applications are collated and scrutinized. Proposal is made and sent to UPSC for selection of candidates. UPSC invariably seeks additional information/clarifications which are complied by the Ministry and at times after obtaining the requisite information from the museums/ concerned authorities. UPSC fixes a date for the meeting of the selection and also calls the candidates for personal talk. UPSC recommends the name of the short-listed candidate. Sometimes UPSC comes back with a comment having not found any suitable candidate for the post. In such an eventuality the entire process from the point of advertisement is repeated. On receipt of recommendation, approval of the Minister is obtained and the selected candidate is appointed (if it is a promotion post). If it is post on deputation or direct recruitment, offer of appointment to the candidate is made and on receipt of his or her acceptance appointment is made. 50. The Ministry informed that the entire process took 1 to 2 years before a post was finally filled up. 51. In case of Group B posts to be filled up by Direct Recruitment, it was informed that UPSC is the recruiting agency. National Museum through Ministry of Culture makes a requisition to UPSC who issues advertisement and makes the selection. In case of posts to be filled by promotion/ deputation, National Museum advertises the posts and makes selection as per prescribed recruitment rules and Director-General, National Museum is the appointing authority. 52. For Group B (Non-Gazetted) posts Staff Selection Commission is the recruitment agency for which National Museum sends the requisition to SSC to make recruitment against the vacant posts and DG, NM is the appointing authority. 53. Recruitment agencies for Group C and D posts are Staff Selection Commission and Employment Exchange respectively. NOC are required to be obtained from the Surplus Cell, Department of Personnel for filling up the post belonging to Group C and D. After obtaining NOC for Group C posts, requisition are sent to Staff Selection Commission for nomination for appointment. Similarly, after obtaining NOC for Group D post, local Employment Exchange is requested for sending names for taking interview for selection by the National Museum. 54. The Secretary while deliberating before the Committee also opined that not only the posts of heads but the below level post should also come out of the purview of UPSC since they are overburdened. 55. The Committee is happy to note that based on its earlier recommendations, the Government has delinked the selection of heads of cultural bodies including that of Director-General, National Museum from the purview of UPSC and adopted the procedure of search-cum-selection process. However, the Committee is surprised to note that the

22 12 Government could not find suitable candidates for the post of Director-General and the National Museum, as a result, remained headless during the last many years which had a telling impact on all the activities of the National Museum. The Committee is afraid that if such a state of affairs continued for a few more years, the condition of the National Museum may become from bad to worse. 56. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the appointment of DG of National Museum should be handled at the highest level and the Government should take urgent steps to appoint a professional as the Director-General from among the museum experts. 57. The Committee emphasizes the need to make the post of Director-General, National Museum more attractive by providing adequate autonomy, both administrative and financial, to avoid unnecessary delays in its urgent works. The Committee is of the view that there are many experts in this country who could have been persuaded to work for the betterment of this institution in the manner acceptable to them. 58. The Committee is surprised at the maze of recruitment procedure which is not only extremely complicated but also difficult to follow. In this connection, the Committee takes note of the evidence tendered by the Secretary on the 30th September, 2010 which is reproduced below:-...as you rightly pointed out, why do we need so many recruitment rules? It is almost one recruitment rule for 1.5 posts. If you go through the recruitment rules, you will be amazed, and, after putting in 35 years in the bureaucracy, even, I cannot decide much on all this, Why do we need such complications? And, that is the question which I have been asking, to which I will retire without an answer..these were created by our convoluted systems in deference to what we call inter-ministerial operating procedures, which go on ensuring, through checks and balances, that every form of check that is possible is put in place. It has formed like silt, sedimentation, and over decades has reached such a level that it would require to be dealt with sternly. My first submission is that the number of vacancies is mindboggling 59. The Committee feels that this has created all the mess in National Museum as all the problems is attributed to shortage of staff. The Committee finds that mainly due to shortage of manpower, the work of verification of artifacts could not be taken up and some of the galleries had to be closed for unduly larger period. The Committee finds that in many cases steps to fill up vacancies were taken years after the posts were fallen vacant, as a result, during the period of 1994 to 2003, many posts which were lying vacant for more than one year were deemed to be abolished and as such they could not be filled up. 60. The Committee is of the view that the Government s instruction that a post lying vacant for more than one year may be deemed abolished, was being followed mechanically with total disregard to its consequences to the functioning of National Museum. If this instruction is to be followed in all the Museums, in a few years time the Museums will be without any employee and then the Government would have a strong case to hand them over to private parties for running them. 61. The Committee, thus, has a strong reason to believe that the Government has failed to give attention to the National Museum which it deserved. It recommends that efforts be made to revive all the lapsed posts and they are filled up at the earliest. 62. The Committee welcomes the creation of new posts of Additional Director-General and Joint Director-General. The Committee has, however, noted that the selection through

23 13 UPSC is a rigid and time consuming procedure. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the posts of Additional Director-General and Joint Director-General may be kept outside the purview of UPSC selection process and instead the search-cum-selection process may be adopted. It should be ensured that the posts may be filled up within a period of three months. 63. The Committee finds that the plethora of recruitment rules and the lack of autonomy in decision making at the level of National Museum are greatly affecting the functioning of the institution. The Committee recommends that National Museum may be made an independent autonomous body with all the inherent powers to administer its affairs including recruitment and staffing. The recruitment process of National Museum may be delinked from UPSC and Staff Selection Commission. The Museum may be authorized to devise its own procedures for selection of officers and staff the same way the central universities are recruiting their faculties and supporting staff. 64. The Committee notes the lack of commitment in the Ministry not only in filling up of the posts but also in reassessing the requirement of staff. The Committee observes that the staff strength in various categories was assessed many years ago. The Committee recommends that a reassessment of the vacant positions should be taken up expeditiously and placed before the Government. 65. The Committee came to know that Museology courses were being run in many universities. However, these courses were not able to fit in the working of the Museums. The Committee was informed that one of the reasons for vacant posts was that adequately qualified candidates were not available mainly because our educational system did not offer specialized courses on museology at the university level. 66. The Committee was also informed that some of the degrees/qualifications can be added in the curricula of the universities and in the recruitment rules of National Museum for instance:- Diploma/Degree in Museology Heritage Management Masters in Business management Degree/Ph.D in Conservation IT courses/diploma 67. The Committee notes that there are number of museums all over India both under Government and private control and most of them are in a state of neglect and need attention by specially trained staff. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the matter may be taken up with the Ministry of Human Resources Development to look into the course details and revamp it to make it more useful content-wise. The practical aspect of training such as internship in a museum may be added so that the people recruited should be actually handling the objects and that they know how to handle the objects, collection display etc. The Committee also recommends that possibility of integration of museuology course in the university curricula may be explored. 68. The Committee also recommends that since the requirement of museums are specific, the appointing agency may be persuaded to keep a separate cadre for museuology with transferable options in the other Government museums on deputation basis all over India. This will give exposure to all to work in other museums also and in their place of choice.

24 14 SOUVENIR SHOP 69. The Committee came to know that a shop has been opened which has articles like handbags, notebooks, diaries, mugs-all embellished with Indian art and craft motifs for sale to the visitors. It also sells art books and miniatures of Mughal paintings depicted on a wide array of items like plates, cups and tray. The revamped museum shop has been conceptualised with the efforts of civil society who mooted the idea. The shop has since been inaugurated. An Addendum to the Agreement will be signed by the National Museum and The Handicraft and Handlooms Exports Corporation of India Ltd. shortly after its vetting by the Ministry of Law. However, as and when the 3rd Phase of the Museum will be constructed, existing temporary structure of HHEC shop may have to be dismantled and shifted to a suitable location. 70. The Committee appreciates the efforts of the Ministry in setting up the Souvenir Shop. However, the Committee is of the view that publicity through print and electronic media is required to be given to the shop so that more people come to buy the products. Further, all the Government agencies/psu/state Government Emporia/all offices of State and Central Government where memento/gifts are purchased may be informed of the products available in the shop and briefed through Bulletin/Brochure every month. Internet shopping may also be introduced to tap the potential market. WEBSITE OF NATIONAL MUSEUM 71. A glance at the website of the National Museum shows that the website is neither attractive nor very descriptive as it should have been. There is a lot of things that can be uploaded to make it more interactive. It does not provide for virtual tour of the museum which may attract visitors. Further, there is no feedback column through which queries of the visitors can be resolved on site. The Museum has only one contact number on the website and the committee is not aware whether specialised staff is recruited there to answer the queries. 72. In an age where everything is just a click away, the Committee recommends that National Museum should make efforts to make the site more attractive, descriptive and interactive. GENERAL 73. The Committee was informed that National Museum is a cultural centre organising academic and cultural programmes including special lectures by eminent scholars in India and abroad on various topics related to Museums. Some of the activities are as follows: Film shows on art, historical and heritage Gallery talks on various themes related to Galleries by Curators. Special Programmes i.e. visit and workshop for disadvantaged sections. Gallery of the Month and one object from its reserve collection highlighted as Object of the Month separately. Guides Programme to the galleries. Summer Holiday programme entitled Workshop on Art & Crafts for school children. Painting competition for school children. Workshop on Indian Art for University students. Organizing the Memorial lectures.

25 15 Assisting schools for setting up Museum corners. National seminars and workshop on Indian Art in other Museums under out reach programme. Organizing the Photographic exhibition on Museum objects in other Museums. The Museum is bringing MCD, NDMC and Govt. school students by hiring bus. The Museum is also conducting in-service Training course in Museology for Museum personnel. National Museum also organises various Workshops, Conferences and Seminars in various parts of the country to have exchange of opinions amongst Conservators, Curators and to generate the public awareness towards the need of Care of Cultural property. Further the Museum brings out various catalogues and brochures on various artifacts for which are available in the Museum reception for the general public. 74. The Committee was also informed about the facilities available to the visitors: Film shows on art, historical and heritage are organized in the auditorium for the benefit of the students and public as well. Audio Guided Tour is available in five languages viz. English, Hindi, German, French and Japanese. Sale of plaster cast replicas to the public. Museum publications such as art books, catalogues, portfolios, picture post cards and reproduction of paintings are available for sale at reception counter. Cloak room facility. The Cafeteria on the second floor Museum building provides soft drinks, tea, coffee, snacks and lunch. Wheel chairs are available at main entrance hall for the physically challenged persons. Photographs of art objects to the public on payment. Training opportunities to the Museum personnel. Permission to photograph the objects for reproduction and publication. Access to the reserve collection and its reference library for Museum professional and scholars. Advice on identification of art objects owned by individuals and institutions is offered by the experts with prior appointments. 75. The Committee notes the initiatives taken by the Ministry. It, however, emphasizes the need to have Citizen partnership in the Museum. For this purpose people may be invited to the functions to be held in Museums. They should also be involved through publications, post cards and souvenir. 76. The Committee is also of the view that although audio guides are available in the museum but its content needs improvement. The Committee recommends that views of

26 16 general public may be taken to enhance the content and it should also include history of Delhi and information about other monuments. The content may also be according to the taste of the tourists such as for children so that they are not bored by the long lectures. GOSWAMI COMMITTEE REPORT 77. The Committee was informed that the Central Advisory Board on Culture constituted a subcommittee under the chairmanship of Prof. B.N. Goswami to study and recommend measures for revamping the Museum management. The main recommendations of the Committee as informed by the Ministry are : Immediate steps (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) Appoint an Administrator immediately Make all out search for a professional Director General Create posts of Additional DG and Joint DGs Ensure conservation and security of exhibits on display and in storage Institute maintenance, through a specialized agency other than CPWD Establish a Museum Advisory Board, with powers of direction Establish a Consultative Committee on International Experts Exempt all technical posts from the purview of UPSC Adopt Search-cum-Selection procedures where required Next Step to be taken (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Re-open and re-organize spaces and galleries Complete third phase of the Museum expansion Delegate fuller financial/administrative powers to DG & Board Restructure/reorganize/recruit on contract in a flexible manner Empower suitably to control executing agencies including CPWD. 78. The Committee notes that the Ministry has taken some measures to comply with the recommendations of the Goswami Committee Report. However a lot needs to be done like setting up an Advisory Board or a Committee with specialists from fields of exhibition, gallery, collections management, presentation etc. so that they can pool their efforts and guide the curators and others in setting up the National Museum. The Committee recommends that the observations of the Goswami Committee should be taken in positive way and the Ministry should start implementing it without delay. CONCLUSION 79. The Committee appreciates the frank admission by the Secretary, Ministry of Culture before the Committee, which has been reproduced in para 12 of this Report. He clearly shares the concern of the Committee that administration of museum leaves much to be desired in several aspects that have been described and commented upon by the Committee in this Report. The Ministry of Culture has been considered so important that