Raj museum upgrade in limbo despite budget promise

Jaipur: As Rajasthan celebrates the International Day of Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, Friday, the State Department of Archaeology and Museology (DAM) is facing criticism for its failure to implement the ambitious museum modernisation plan announced with much fanfare in the 2024-25 state budget.

The plan aimed to transform ten of the state's key museums into technologically advanced, world-class storytelling spaces with immersive visitor experiences. The museums identified for this revamp include Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur, Govt Museum in Jaisalmer, Govt Museum in Bharatpur (Lohagarh Fort complex), Govt Museum in Chittorgarh Fort, Govt Museum in Alwar (City Palace complex), Govt Museum in Mount Abu (Raj Bhawan complex), Govt Museum in Udaipur (Ahad Site), Government Museum in Bikaner, Govt Museum in Nagaur , and Govt Museum in Ajmer (Akbari Fort complex).

However, the project has been stalled due to non-release of funds. While Rs 25 crore was specifically allocated by finance minister Diya Kumari for the Albert Hall Museum in 2025-26, Rs 50 crore for the rest of the museums announced in 2024-25 is yet to be released. "The finance department did not release a single penny last year, but I'm hopeful that they will release the amount this year," said a senior DAM official, highlighting the budgetary bottlenecks that prevented any tangible progress.

A finance department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the procedural delays. "The department is responsible for allocating funds for all govt projects and schemes. The process is cumbersome, involving thorough checks and approvals at multiple levels, which often ends up causing procedural delays," the official said.

Pankaj Sharma, director of archaeology and museums, DAM said, "We want every artefact to tell a story. Technology like QR codes, VOR (Virtual Object Recreation), and interactive displays will allow visitors to engage with our heritage in an entirely new way."

Giving examples, he added, "Take the Rubab at Albert Hall — a QR code will tell you how it was made, its era, and you can even hear how it sounds. Our Egyptian Mummy will have a digital profile that explains its origin, preservation, and the science behind maintaining it in Rajasthan's harsh climate."

Sharma stressed that the larger goal is to shift from static displays to dynamic storytelling. "Many artefacts lie ignored because there is no context. With 3D and 4D technology, we can recreate the cultural setting they come from."

As experts call for urgent upgrades to keep pace with global standards, the plan to bring Rajasthan's rich heritage into the digital age waits for one critical step — financial clearance.