New Delhi: The government will appoint a new Director General of National Museum in 15 days, according to Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma.
Mr Sharma, who holds independent charge of the culture ministry apart from being the minister of state for tourism and civil aviation, said late Tuesday that the appointment of the new chief had been finalized.
He spoke to reporters on the sideline of an exhibition on Indian maps at the National Museum.
The ministry has been in the eye of a storm over the abrupt transfer of Venu Vasudevan, the former head of the National Museum, in April.
Mr Vasudevan, whose tenure was to expire in December 2016, was transferred without being given any reason.
The minister, however, maintained that the transfer was "a part of the government's plan to bring in new talent".
In an interview with IANS in May, Mr Sharma defended the decision to transfer Mr Vasudevan saying the "right person" had already been identified.
"We have advertised for the position and have identified the right person with more technical experience and expertise of museums," he said.
Mr Vasudevan's overnight transfer had invited flak from many quarters, including the art fraternity which alleged that the government was trying to impose a 'cadre' of its choice in cultural institutions.
During his one and half year tenure, Mr Vasudevan had revived the museum with many innovative plans, according to the fraternity.
Mr Sharma maintained that the transfer was a routine administrative process.
"We have nothing against Vasudevan. He was appointed as an administrator and was doing good work. However, we were always on the lookout for better people who have more technical experience related to museums," he said.
Presently, Sanjiv Mittal, a joint secretary in the culture ministry, holds the post of Director General of National Museum.
Mr Sharma, who holds independent charge of the culture ministry apart from being the minister of state for tourism and civil aviation, said late Tuesday that the appointment of the new chief had been finalized.
He spoke to reporters on the sideline of an exhibition on Indian maps at the National Museum.
Mr Vasudevan, whose tenure was to expire in December 2016, was transferred without being given any reason.
Advertisement
In an interview with IANS in May, Mr Sharma defended the decision to transfer Mr Vasudevan saying the "right person" had already been identified.
Advertisement
Mr Vasudevan's overnight transfer had invited flak from many quarters, including the art fraternity which alleged that the government was trying to impose a 'cadre' of its choice in cultural institutions.
Advertisement
Mr Sharma maintained that the transfer was a routine administrative process.
Advertisement
Presently, Sanjiv Mittal, a joint secretary in the culture ministry, holds the post of Director General of National Museum.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
UK Museum Awarded 2,00,000 Pound Grant To Mark Legacy Of Sikh Empire's Last Ruler No Decision Yet Regarding Demolition Of National Museum: Government 14 Skeletons Found In Ruined 5,000-Year-Old Neolithic Tomb In Scotland Vandalism At Kolkata Hospital Where Doctor Was Raped, Tear Gas Fired 150 mg Semen In Kolkata Doctor's Body, Suspect Gang-Rape: Parents To Court 2 French Rafale Jets Collide Mid-Air, Instructor, Pilot Missing Trump Speaks With Netanyahu Over Gaza Truce And Hostage Deal, Says Sources Indian-Origin Man Jailed For Helping Friend In Singapore Football Scam Professor 'Digitally Arrested' For 12 Days By Scammers, Loses Rs 12 Lakh Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.