Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Directorate of Museums has moved a proposal seeking financial approval from the state’s Finance Department for ₹51.31 lakh to pay commercial tax and infrastructure tax to the Town and Country Planning Department, as part of the Goa State Museum project.
Providing details in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister for Museums Ramkrishna Dhavalikar said that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the new museum building was prepared by a consultant appointed by GSIDC and submitted to the Union Ministry of Culture on March 20, 2024. The initial estimated cost of ₹22.30 crore was later revised to ₹35.25 crore after incorporating suggestions from the Ministry.
On funding, the minister said the project is being taken up under the Museum Grant Scheme of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. While central assistance is capped at ₹8 crore, the remaining cost will be borne by the state government, which has already allocated ₹10 crore under the capital head and assured additional funds for completion.
He further informed that no private museums have been officially recognised or granted financial aid by the department in the last two years. However, steps are being taken to compile a list of museums in Goa, along with the introduction of a scheme to support and upgrade private museums.
Regarding the timeline, the minister stated that the new Goa State Museum building is expected to be completed within three years from the commencement of construction.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the state’s cultural infrastructure with support from both the Centre and the state government.
