The National Museum in New Delhi is being considered as a staging area for assembling and preparing displays curated for the proposed Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, people familiar with the matter said.
Joint Secretary Gurmeet Singh Chawla currently holds additional charge as DG. The proposed appointment comes as the government considers changes to the National Museum’s functioning and its role in the development of the new museum. The proposed museum is intended to present India’s cultural and civilisational history through artefacts and thematic galleries. Its development involves repurposing the existing government buildings in the Central Vista area for public museum use. “The National Museum’s proposed role in preparing displays would bring its facilities and curatorial expertise into the preparations for the new institution. The government is also looking to appoint an experienced museum professional to lead the Janpath institution” the person mentioned above added.
“The government is also looking to hire a seasoned museologist to head the National Museum as Director General (DG) as part of a planned overhaul of the institution”, an official said. The post of DG has been vacant for nearly a year since Professor BR Mani completed his term, according to people familiar with the matter.
The assessment is expected to help determine which objects will be selected for the new museum. Around two million objects have been assessed as part of preparations for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, of which nearly 20-30 per cent are expected to be accommodated in the new institution, people familiar with the matter said.
