Lok Sabha Question No. 3301 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-09
Subject: Development of Museums
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Gautam Gambhir

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3301 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 th  December, 2019

## 'DEVELOPMENT OF MUSEUMS'

## 3301. SHRI GAUTAM GAMBHIR:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is working on any plan to revamp existing Museums and for setting up of new Museums:
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is considering digitizing artefacts in Museums;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether  a  new  post  of  CEO,  Development  of  Museums  and  Cultural  Spaces  has been created; and
- (f) if so, the details of the responsibilities assigned?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR CULTURE & TOURISM

## (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

- (a) to (b) Yes, Sir. Ministry of Culture issued a list of deliverables to the museums under the administrative control of Ministry of Culture and asked them to take stock, adopt and execute these deliverables to improve /uplift   the museums to bring them at par with international best Museums. Details are at Annexure-I.

There is no proposal for setting up of new national level Museums. However, Ministry of  Culture  operates  a  Museum  Grant  Scheme  under  which  financial  assistance  is provided to State Governments and Societies, Autonomous bodies, Local Bodies and Trusts  registered  under  the  Societies  Act  for  setting  up  of  new  Museums.  The guidelines of the Museum Grant Scheme are available on the website of the Ministry at www.indiaculture.gov.in.

- (c)  to  (d)  Yes,  Sir.  Ministry  of  Culture  entered  into  an  MOU  with  C-DAC,  Pune  for developing  a  software  named  as  JATAN  for  creating  an  online  digital  repository  of museum collections and developing a national portal http://museumsofindia.gov.in, for all the museums under the administrative control of Ministry of Culture. Digitization and updating  on  the  portal  is  a  continuous  process.  Till  now  2,43,628  art  objects  of  10 museums under Ministry of Culture have been digitized through Jatan software.

Besides,  Ministry of  Culture  operates  Museum  Grant  Scheme,  under  which  financial assistance is provided for digitization of art objects in the museums across the country for making their images/catalogues available over the website http://museumsofindia.gov.in. Details of State/UT-wise financial assistance provided till date for digitization of museum collection is at  Annexure-II.

- (e) to (f) Yes, Sir. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet vide its order dated 09.09.2019 has  temporarily  upgraded  the  post  of  Director  General,  National  Museum  to  Apex Scale for a period of three years, as a special case, re-designating the post as Chief Executive Officer,  Development of  Museums and Cultural Spaces (CEO-DMCS).The CEO-DMCS shall  exercise  the  powers  of  Secretary  to  Government  of  India  for  the following subjects:
- (a) National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology, New Delhi.
- (b) Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi
- (c) All  subjects  dealing  with  museums  listed  in  entry  number  12    under  Ministry  of Culture, Schedule II, of the Allocation of Business Rules (National Museum, New Delhi;  Indian  Museum,  Kolkata,  Salar  Jung  Museum,  Hyderabad;  Allahabad Museum,  Allahabad;  National  Gallery  of  Modern  Art,  New  Delhi,  Mumbai  and Bangalore;  Victoria  Memorial  Hall,  Kolkata;  Indira  Gandhi  Rashtriya  Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal; National Council of Science Museum, Kolkata; Museum of Gems and Jewellery; General Development of Museums.
- (d) Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts.

He shall also discharge the duties of Director General of the National Museum and Vice Chancellor of National Museum Institute.

## REFERRED IN PART (a) TO (b) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3301 FOR 9.12.2019 REGARDING 'DEVELOPMENT OF MUSEEUMS'.

## IMPROVEMENT OF MUSEUMS

## Objectives/deliverables

## 1. Management of Museum Space:

- 1.1 At  least  75%  of  the  total  carpet  area  should  be  used  as  Public  Area  and  rest  carpet  area should be used as Non-Public Area. International  Standards for Public and Non-Public Area is as below:
- 1.2 Existing space should be rearranged or constructed new space (if needed) to accommodate more  display  space  and  less  administrative  space.  Public  space  (i.e.  display  &  facilities) should be in front of the building while non-public space (i.e. storage & offices) should be in the back-end of the Museum's building.
- 1.3 There  should  be  logical  allocation  of  space  ratio  among  aforesaid  four  categories(i.e. Display, Storage, Public facilities and Offices) on the basis of international standards and total available collection different time period wise & category wise in the Museum.
- 1.4 There should be fixed allocation of space for permanent and temporary exhibitions/galleries. Space allocated for temporary exhibitions should not be more than 5% of the total display area.
- 1.5 Percentage  of  objects  to  be  displayed  and  kept  in  storage  to  be  broadly  fixed  and accordingly space requirement to display objects to be worked out by the Museum.
- 1.6 Museum should develop adequate visible storage facility with atmospheric control such as heat,  temperature,  humidity, dust, light & pest etc. along  with  fire fighting  in the Storage Area and Display area as well.

|                                                   | PUBLIC AREA                                                                   | PUBLIC AREA                                                                                               | NON-PUBLIC AREA                                                           | NON-PUBLIC AREA                                                                                                        |
|---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                   | Display Area (includes permanent and temporary display/Exhibition/ Galleries) | Public Facilities Area (include lobby, shop, library, cafe, toilets, cloakrooms, theatre/auditorium etc.) | Storage Area (includes collection storage, shipping& receiving area etc.) | Offices Area (Offices, conservation space, exhibition installation workrooms, security stations, staff washrooms etc.) |
|                                                   | (A)                                                                           | (B)                                                                                                       | (C)                                                                       | (D)                                                                                                                    |
| Space distribution as per International Standards | 40                                                                            | 20                                                                                                        | 20                                                                        | 20                                                                                                                     |

## 2. Display of Artefacts :

- 2.1 Atleast10% of total objects should be available in display while rest of total object should be kept in proper storage.
- 2.2 Museums must rotate their objects in display frequently. Rotation of10% display objects in each quarter wherever possible depending on size, type etc. of the objects. The objects like paintings, small sculptures etc. may be rotated fast whereas rotation of big sculpture is not possible.
- 2.3 Museum should identify its masterpieces and all these should be displayed prominently by using magnifier, focus light, 360 degree orientation so that it would be centre of attraction in the Galleries. Description of masterpieces should be provided in the leaflet of the Museum.
- 2.4 Museum should categorise its entire collection broadly on the basis of types of collection (like  Archaeology,  Ethnography, Textiles, Paintings  etc.)  and different  periods  of  history. All  types  of  collections  should  be  displayed  in  the  permanent  Exhibitions/Galleries  for bringing more variety in the display.
- 2.5 Museum should organize temporary exhibitions in collaboration with International and other National  Museums  regularly.  For  such  exhibitions,  objects  may  be  arranged  from  store collections and/or loaning of objects from other Museums.
- 2.6
- Introducing new technologies in display to : (a)  Make the collections accessible, explorable and enjoyable not just those who visit the museums, but to everyone so it becomes the private museums of the whole world---Museum of the Citizen (Mobil apps and e Museum etc.) (b)  Allow  new  ways  such  as  interactions,  experiential  and  explorations  of  visiting  the galleries/exhibits  for  transmitting  information  about  the  collections  and  to  engage  visitors
- with the objects.
- 2.7 To facilitate  visitors  in  getting  take  away  message  and  with  a  spark  to  learn  more  about Galleries  /Exhibits,  Museum  should  use  more  new  technologies  and  modern  display techniques in presenting the interpretation of museum objects. Structured information about the displays / exhibits should be presented.
- 2.8 Museum shall identify surplus items which could be shared with other museums for display purposes.
- 2.9 Ensure  good  quality  spot  lighting  with  auto-switch,  power  saving  and  heat  control  etc.on displayed objects.
- 2.10 The  light  colour  should  generally  be  used  for  painting  walls  of  the  display  rooms  and flooring so that look & focus prominently display.
- 2.11 Display standards  and  norms  for  gallery  text,  interpretation,  lighting,  showcases,  signage, orientations, labelling, marking, display room wall colour etc. should be followed.
- 2.12 Display of artefacts in the open area of the museums to the maximum extent.  Railing of outer boundary wall should be reconstructed in a way that it would not hamper the visibility of artefacts displayed in the open area of the museum.
- 2.13 A world-class upkeep & cleaning of the space including display objects should be carried out by the Museum. Mechanized cleaning including chemical should be used to cover every nook and cranny including ceiling (except heritage building where it is not allowed).
- 2.14 QR code/RFID tag/labels on objects should be display in a way that it would not hamper the display of objects.

- 3.1 All  Museums  should  have  IT  based  collection  management  system  (CMS)  to  record  and retrieve documented information easily about its collection. CMS should have features such as  acquisitions,  accessioning,  inventory  control,  exhibition  management,  conservation management,  cataloguing,  management  of  movement  &  locations,  loaning  &  borrowing management, dispatch/shipping/transport of objects, de-accessioning/disposal  etc.
- 3.2 Data entries of the objects in the CMS should be in the standard format. The query based search features should also be available in CMS.
- 3.3 Architecture of the CMS should be flexible and dynamic in nature and have secure access.
- 3.4 The record of digital collections should safely be stored and backup should be taken and stored periodically.
- 3.5 The digital collection should be presented to the public in a ways that it meet accessibility standards and are compatible to adaptive technology.
- 3.6 Museums should have a professional quality digital photograph [at least four images of at least    300  dpi  and  short  video  with  photos  of  masterpieces]of  its  entire  collections  (3D images and 360 degree view)which should be uploaded /available along with its metadata, descriptions in CMS and also available on online website for public viewing.
- 3.7 The details of all artefacts of the Museums should be available in the accession register in the standard format. The latest IT tools /platforms may be used to keep digital and electronic form of accession register. The accession register should be archival quality and should be kept at secure and another location.
- 3.8 The artefacts should be physically verified along with their conservation, preservation and restoration  status  periodically  in  accordance  of  global  standard.  After  verification,  the objects  which  need  treatment  may  be  carried  out  as  per  global  best  practices/standard. Before and after photograph of objects should be saved.
- 3.9 CMS should also have a feature for managing QR code/ RFID tag for security and safety of the objects. No separate IT system for RFID tagging should be used.

## 4. Value addition to the Museums

- 4.1 Museums should update their website as dynamic website in the nature of virtual museum and should show user friendly 360 view of its  galleries /exhibitions (viz. e Museum). To introduce  Mobile  apps  based  application where  detailed  information  of all exhibits /Galleries  may  be made available  in  the  Mobile  apps  also  apart from  Museum's  website. The information in the app may be structured in different tiers such as Basic Information, Intermediate Information and Advanced Information.
- 4.2 Museum  shall  make  available  their  entire  publications,  research  papers,  etc.  and  would make them available online to the public through their website and shall use optimization techniques to make their publications/research papers etc. on top while searching on Google. (access  from  anywhere  to  anyone).  Introduce  Museum  related  activities  cum  technical research blog.
- 4.3 Install interactive hands-on mask making kiosks for children and LCD's with running films.
- 4.4 Introduce latest technology such as 3-D holographic projections, simulated images, virtual reality and augmented reality wherever feasible.
- 4.5 To  Upgrade  and  modernize  existing  conservation  labs  and  set  up  new  laboratories  for authentication & provenance and preventative conservations.
- 4.6 Museums  should  do  preferably  light  illuminations  on  the  Museum's  building  for  night viewing.
- 4.7 Museums  should  organize  light  &  sound  shows,  projection  mapping  etc.  depicting  the history and cultural traditions of the city of their location.
- 4.8 To  setup  interactive  /experiential  /exploration  children  centre  which  would  enable  to disseminate knowledge about rich culture heritage by using latest technologies.
- 4.9 Museum  should  arrange  regular  social  gatherings  like  conference,  workshop,  special conducted tours, films screening, research publication for disseminating knowledge/education to groups and should also earmarked separate space for such activities.
- 4.10 Museum should  have  a  calendar  of  events  for  every  months  and  it  should  be  displayed /advertised prominently including on its website.
- 4.11 Have separate conducted tours for all categories of populace. They may notall be interested in seeing the entire museum. Create something for everyone.

## 5. Visitor facilities

- 5.1 Arrangement of comfortable benches, resting places, nooks/seating corners, drinking water & clean toilet facilities for visitors.
- 5.2 Have  shops  in  museum  premises  for  (i)  selling  cultural  staff  (ii)  cafeterias  and  vending machines for catering different types of foods need. These facilities may be worked out on outsourced model.
- 5.3 Museums  should  introduce  guided  tours  (both  paid  and  free)  and  Audio  tour  as  well. Museums  may  engage  enthusiastic  volunteers  as  museum's  assistant  for  guided  tour.  To begin  with,  twice  a  day  guided  tour  (in  English  &  Hindi)  may  be  introduced  and  one regional language guided tour may also be added later on.
- 5.4 Have well dressed and polite museum assistants/guides and cafeteria staff.
- 5.5 Museums should have a photography counter, free Wi-Fi facilities and interaction area for public.
- 5.6 All public areas should be accessible by all including differently abled citizens (ramp, lift etc.).
- 5.7 Introduce online/ e-ticketing facilities for visitors.

## 6. Standard security and fire fighting

- 6.1 Museum should install fire-fighting devices/techniques and to undertake regular trials.
- 6.2 Museum should maintain friendly, terror/stress free atmosphere in the galleries.
- 6.3 Museum should sensitize security  personnel  and  should  have  lots  of  CCTV  cameras  and alarms in the museum premises. RFID tagging/QR code etc. should also be introduced to enhance security of artefacts/objects.

## 7. Outreach Activities

- 7.1 Museum  should  give  focus  on  its  memberships  and  should  design  various  categories  of memberships for catering different types of people.
- 7.2 Museum should organize regular dance / music performances in grounds / auditorium.
- 7.3 Make  museum  visiting  an  entire  day's  experience  with  competitions  and  other  events. Therefore, all museums should design an experience for visitors which would include visit to the exhibitions, participation in Hands-on workshops /Design studios, live demonstrations,  audio-visual  shows,  cafeteria,  gift  stores,  resting  areas,  children  spaces, interpretation centres, audio-guides / interactive devices for accessing information and other visitor amenities.
- 7.4 Have separate entertainment spaces in Museums with indoor games facilities Table-tennis, Pool Bowling alleys etc.
- 7.5 The social entertainment spaces in museums may be open late till 8:00 PM especially on weekends.
- 7.6 Museums can prepare small exhibitions on various themes and take them to schools for the duration of 7-10 days per school.
- 7.7 Museums may work out a plan to bring underprivileged  children to  the  Museum so  that these  children  may  also  get  an  opportunity  to  gain  the  knowledge  relating  to  the  Indian History,  Culture  and  Science. Mobile  exhibitions  may  also  be  introduced  to  cover underprivileged sections of the society (rural, slum and far flung area).

## 8. Marketing

- 8.1 Bill-board  advertisements  of  events  in  Airports  and  other  areas  even  in  nearby  malls /shopping centres, metro stations.
- 8.2 Each museum may promote their USP / activities.
- 8.3 New and exciting merchandise in shops like ties, cuff-links, T-shirts, key chains, jewellery, replicas, prints, postcards, albums etc. Tie up with vendors for this work.
- 8.4 Approach corporate to popularize museum culture through gifts.
- 8.5 Museums are not being marketed properly-strong social presence needs to be developed by them, links with tour operators, monthly advertisements of museum activities in electronic media and newspapers, development of members/museums friends needs to be taken up.
- 8.6 Celebrate regularly ''World Days", ''State Functions'' and ''Special Events''.
- 8.7 More exhibitions will also help in bringing about an increase in the number of visitors, even if these are ticketed.
- 8.8 Attract corporate sponsors with special exhibitions for their clients.

## 9. Capacity Building

- 9.1 Organise HRD training & expose personnel to international standards.
- 9.2 Encourage  courses  and  exchanges  of  best  practices,  through  visits.  Facilitate  studies, researches to bring out better publications.
- 9.3 Utilize visiting fellows to unravel treasures within museums. Publish world-class books & catalogues through the best available.
- 9.4 Collaborate with national and international institutions to enhance their capacity. Engage specialized professionals on contract/tenure basis formulation.
- 9.5 Short training and certificate courses may also be run by the NMI.
- 9.6 In-service training courses for mid career up-gradation of Museum professionals may also be run by the NMI.
- 9.7 NMI  may  develop mechanism (like Whatsapp/Facebook group etc.) for sharing knowledge /information  among  curators/fellow  (who  are  going  to  attend  international fellowship programme of the MOC) on modern practices so as to improve outcome of galleries/exhibitions.  These  follows  may  act  as  trainer  for  other  for  which  NMI  may arrange  workshop  /seminar  where  these  fellows  may  be  called  up  to  share  their knowledge /experience with other Museum professions.

*******************

## REFERRED IN PART (c) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3301 FOR 9.12.2019 REGARDING 'DEVELOPMENT OF MUSEEUMS'.

## The State-wise list of disbursal of funds for 'Digitization of Museum Collections' under the Museum Grant Scheme, State-wise.

| S.   | State       | Name of                                                                   | (Rs. in lakhs)   | (Rs. in lakhs)   | (Rs. in lakhs)   | (Rs. in lakhs)   | (Rs. in lakhs)   |
|------|-------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|
| no.  |             | Organization                                                              | FY: 2014-15      | FY: 2015-16      | FY: 2016-17      | FY: 2017-18      | FY: 2018-19      |
| 1.   | Rajasthan   | Government of Rajasthan for 16 District museum, Rajasthan                 | 28.00            | -                | -                | -                | -                |
| 2.   | Haryana     | Centre for Art & Archaeology, 22, Sector-32, Institutional Area, Gurgaon, | -                | -                | 12.50            | -                | 12.50            |
| 3.   | Maharashtra | Symbiosis Society' Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum & Memorial Pune          | -                | 4.5944           | -                | 4.5944           | -                |