House panel moots donation drives, CSR funding for historical sites, museums

It calls for greater participation of private sector, acknowledging Culture Ministry’s fund crunch

A “pay as you wish” entry fee at monuments and outsourcing the maintenance of archaeological sites were among the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture in its report on the condition of museums in the country. The panel’s report, which was presented in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha on Monday, acknowledged the inadequate budget of the Culture Ministry as one of the biggest stumbling blocks. “In view of the fund crunch faced by the Ministry of Culture for development and conservation of Museums and archaeological sites/monuments across the country, the committee feels that it is imperative for the Ministry to seek the participation of private sector in order to have the necessary investment needed to make our museums and archaeological sites/monuments at par with international standards, while ensuring the employment of best possible preservation practices to keep our cultural heritage safe and preserved for the future generations,” the report said.