BMC Budget 2026-27 Awards Rs 75 Lakh Grant to Historic Asiatic Library in Mumbai
MUMBAI: In a significant move for cultural preservation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 has allocated a grant of Rs 75 lakh to the historic Asiatic Library located in the Fort area of Mumbai. This funding aims to support the maintenance and enhancement of one of the city's most treasured institutions.
Society President Expresses Mixed Reactions to Funding Allocation
Vispi Balaporia, the president of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai, responded to the budget announcement with a blend of appreciation and concern. "We are pleased at the excellent grant of Rs 75 lakh allocated to our institution in the BMC budget, although we had sought Rs 1 crore from the civic body," she stated. Balaporia emphasized the critical need for financial support, particularly for covering operational expenses such as employee salaries, which are a recurring challenge.
She elaborated on the existing funding landscape, noting that while the library receives an annual grant from the Union Ministry of Culture, this money comes with stringent restrictions on its usage. Additionally, the Maharashtra government has been providing an annual grant of Rs 1 crore for the past two years, but with a clear mandate that these funds cannot be utilized for salary payments. This leaves a gap in the library's ability to manage its day-to-day operations effectively.
Gratitude and Practical Needs Highlighted by Library Leadership
Balaporia expressed deep gratitude towards municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani for the BMC allocation, acknowledging its potential impact. "We are very grateful to municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani for this allocation," she said. The funds from the BMC are earmarked for specific purposes, including the purchase of new books and the renewal of Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs), which are essential for the upkeep of the library's infrastructure.
She painted a vivid picture of the library's current state, describing it as a vast institute with pressing needs. "Ours is a vast institute, computers can break down, we have precious artefacts and manuscripts which need care, some of them need to be restored," Balaporia explained. She even shared a personal anecdote about her own office conditions, noting, "My own office is crumbling with falling plaster so I put a chair and table in the Darbar Hall and do my work." This underscores the urgent requirement for maintenance and restoration efforts to preserve the library's historical and cultural assets.
Broader Implications for Cultural Heritage in Mumbai
The BMC's grant to the Asiatic Library highlights the ongoing efforts to support cultural heritage institutions in Mumbai. However, it also brings to light the broader challenges faced by such organizations in securing adequate and flexible funding. The allocation, while welcomed, points to a need for more comprehensive financial strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of these vital cultural hubs.
As the library moves forward, the focus will be on utilizing the BMC funds effectively to address immediate needs while continuing to advocate for additional support to cover operational costs like salaries. This budget decision marks a step towards preserving Mumbai's rich historical legacy, but it also serves as a reminder of the persistent funding gaps that require attention from both civic and state authorities.
