The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has recently allocated Rs 3.75 crore for a Rs 5-crore project in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh as part of the Upgradation of Museums Scheme from the Museums Grant Scheme.
An Overview of the Museums Grant Scheme
The Museums Grant Scheme was first introduced in 2013 by the Ministry of Culture to provide financial support for new museum establishments. It is primarily designed to strengthen and modernize existing Regional, State, and District level museums. The initiative also has a goal to develop at least one Central or State Government Museum located in each State Capital annually.
Components of the Museums Grant Scheme
The Museums Grant Scheme comprises three major parts:
1. Establishment and Development of District and Regional Museums: This component categorizes museums into two groups. Category-I includes government-owned state-level museums and renowned museums with exquisite collections. Category-II includes all other museums. The maximum financial assistance given under this section is restricted to Rs.10 crore.
2. Development of Museums in State Capitals: Renowned museums of Central or State Governments situated in Capital cities fall under this class. Financial aid given under this program can go up to a limit of Rs.15 Crore per museum.
3. Establishment and Development of Large-Scale Museums in Public Private Partnership Mode: This section proposes the establishment of large-scale museums as joint ventures with State Governments and civil society in a Public-Private Partnership Mode. The highest financial aid offered under this component is 40% of the project cost, up to a limit of Rs.20 Crore per museum.
The Concept of Museum
A museum is an institution where objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and displayed. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) defines a museum as a non-profit, permanent institution open to the public. Its role is serving society and its development by acquiring, preserving, researching, communicating, and displaying humanity’s tangible and intangible heritage for education, study, and enjoyment. ICOM operates as a non-governmental organization committed to museums, maintains formal relations with UNESCO, and holds a consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Other Schemes Related to Museums
Apart from the Museums Grant Scheme, there are other initiatives centered on the upliftment of museums. The National Portal and Digital Repository for Indian Museums, under the Ministry of Culture, have been introduced to digitize museum collections.
The JATAN: Virtual Museum Software is another significant initiative in this direction. This software serves as a virtual museum builder, enabling the creation of digital collection management systems for Indian museums. Currently, it is being used in multiple national museums across India.
Information about the Museums Grant Scheme and other related initiatives reflect the government’s growing attention towards enhancing and modernizing the country’s cultural heritage institutions.
