PANAJI
The Centre has elicited a very poor response from Goa over the last five years, and just one”the Museum of Christian Art”has availed itself of its scheme, which provides grants of up to Rs 25-30 lakh for the professional training of staff.
The museum at Old Goa has thus far received just Rs one lakh.
Information contained in a written reply by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to the Lok Sabha states that the funds are provided for the creation of experts in various museum management-related fields such as collection management, museum management, design, education, and marketing, which are currently lacking in most Indian museums.
One category of museums is provided grants of up to Rs 30 lakh, and those in another category receive up to Rs 25 lakh under this component, Shekhawat said.
Only Rs 1 lakh has come under this ‘Museum Grant Scheme’ in the last five years to the Museum of Christian Art at Old Goa, that too in 2020-21.
In the next four financial years”2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25”not a single museum in Goa received any money from the Centre.
In yet another scheme for building new museums, financial assistance is given by the Central Culture Ministry, aimed at preserving the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
Over the last five years, 33 new museums were built with funds allocated through this scheme, and another 23 existing museums were assisted to upgrade.
Also, the collections of two museums were digitised, and one ‘virtual museum’ was created.
State, semi-government, private organisations, and trusts are eligible, Shekhawat’s reply said.
