On the eve of International Museum Day, Congress chief whip and Adarsh Nagar MLA Rafeek Khan wrote a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, raising serious concerns over the condition of Rajasthan's museums, monuments, and archaeological heritage.
Allegations of Neglect
In the letter, Khan accused the BJP-led government of Rajasthan of ignoring the state's cultural and historical assets, alleging that no formal inspection of museums was conducted by senior officials in the last four months.
He said that while Rajasthan's royal heritage is heavily promoted through tourism campaigns and international branding exercises, the reality at many museums and heritage sites reflects neglect, poor maintenance, and administrative indifference.
Khan claimed that officers and custodians rarely visit sites under their supervision, while maintenance remains irregular. Many museums continue to suffer from poor visitor facilities and a shortage of trained guides.
Scope of Responsibility
Rajasthan currently has 24 museums and art galleries under the department. At the same time, the department is responsible for protecting 345 monuments and 43 archaeological sites across the state.
Funds Not Utilized
Khan alleged that announcements related to conservation and renovation rarely translate into actual work on the ground. According to him, funds were allocated during 2024-25 for renovation and upgradation of Albert Hall Museum, but even after two years, in several cases tenders have not yet been floated.
“The situation of other museums in Jhalawar, Viratnagar, Kota and Ajmer is no different,” said Khan.
The MLA urged the chief minister to take immediate action to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of preserving Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage for future generations.
