Lok Sabha Question No. 1818 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Opening of New Science Museums in Madhya Pradesh
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Sandhya Ray, Vinod Chavda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1818

TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

OPENING OF NEW SCIENCE MUSEUMS IN MADHYA PRADESH

1818. SHRIMATI SANDHYA RAY   : SHRI  VINOD  L . CHAVDA   :

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state :

- (a) Whether  the  Government is  establishing  Science Museums  across  the  country  through National Council of Science Museums;

(b) If  so,  the  details  of  new  Science  Museums  opened  in  the  country  during  the  last  three years, State-wise especially in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat;

(c) Whether  the  Government is considering on opening museums based on cultural heritage to promote our vast, rich and incredible traditions of various States;

(d) Whether the  Government  has  any plan for  establishing  science  museums  in Bhind  and Datia districts  of  Madhya  Pradesh  and Bhuj, Abdasa, Ghandhidham, Rapar, Mandvi and Anjar districts of Gujrat; and

- (e) If so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor ?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM & DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) :          Yes, Sir.

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Kolkata, an autonomous body under Ministry of Culture,  Government  of  India,  is  the  implementing  agency  for  setting  up  of  Science  Cities/Science Centres/Museums  under  the  Scheme  for  Promotion  of  Culture  of  Science  (SPoCS)  of  Govt.  of  India across the country.

- (b) :     (i)     Udaipur Science Centre, Tripura - Inaugurated on 28.02.2021
- (ii)     Palampur Science Centre, Himachal Pradesh - Inaugurated on 14.05.2022
- (iii)    Sub-Regional Science Centre, Gaya, Bihar -Inaugurated on 20.07.2023.
- (iv)   Regional Science Centre, Kottayam - Handed over to Govt. of Kerala on 11.05.2022 and the Centre is ready for inauguration.

No new science museums has been opened in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in the last three years.

(c):   Yes, Sir.  Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, endeavors to develop new archaeological museums based on the requirements at the sites, to showcase the rich historical traditions of the nation.

ASI is considering to develop following new museums :

- (i)  Epigraphy Museum at Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.
- (ii)  Adichanallur site Museum, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu

Besides, ASI maintains and periodically upgrades various museums under its jurisdiction, for promotion of the rich historical traditions of the nation.

Moreover, the Ministry of Culture operates 'Museum Grant Scheme' under which financial assistance is provided to Centre/State Government, Autonomous bodies, NGOs, Trust, Public Sector Undertakings and Societies registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860 to develop/establish and modernization/upgradation of the existing museum at regional, state and district level of the country.

- (d)  :      No.      However,  if  the  proposal  is  received  as  per  guidelines  of  the  existing  Scheme  for Promotion  of  Culture  of  Science  (SPoCS)  through  the  State  Govt.,  Ministry  of  Culture would consider the proposal on merit.
- (e) :    Not applicable.

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