kolkata

IIE DIGITAL: The West Bengal government has moved to preserve the iconic Nehru Children's Museum, stepping in with assurances of financial and administrative support after the institution announced plans to cease operations later this month.

A meeting held on Wednesday between Chief Minister's Special Advisor Subrata Gupta and the museum's leadership resulted in a breakthrough, with the state urging the management to keep the 53-year-old institution open while promising assistance in addressing its immediate challenges.

Speaking after the discussions, Gupta described the museum as an important part of Kolkata's cultural legacy and said the government was determined to ensure that it continued serving future generations. He said the administration had requested the governing body to continue operating the museum while the state explored ways to resolve its infrastructural and financial difficulties.

One of the most pressing concerns identified during the meeting was the museum's pending fire-safety compliance. Gupta said the state had already coordinated with the Fire and Emergency Services Department, which dispatched a special inspection team on Wednesday evening to assess the premises and recommend the upgrades needed for obtaining the required clearances. The government also indicated its willingness to extend support for implementing the necessary safety measures.

The museum, managed by the National Cultural Association, had earlier announced that it would close its doors from August 16 because of mounting operational challenges. The organisation had appealed to the state government to either assume control of the institution or facilitate its management by a reputed non-governmental organisation to ensure its long-term survival.

Following Wednesday's meeting, Museum Director Sudip Srimal confirmed that the closure plan had been withdrawn. He said regular activity classes, including music, dance, painting and recitation, which were suspended in July, would resume from the first weekend of September.

For decades, the Nehru Children's Museum has remained a cherished destination for generations of visitors. Its extensive collection includes miniature clay recreations of scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, more than 1,100 dolls representing 96 countries, and a dedicated gallery displaying nearly 300 Lord Ganesha idols, making it one of Kolkata's distinctive cultural landmarks.

Museum Secretary Indrani Sengupta welcomed the government's intervention, saying the assurance that the institution would be recognised and preserved as part of the state's heritage exceeded the management's expectations. She added that the committee remained committed to protecting the museum despite years of financial strain.

Although the immediate threat of closure has been averted, the museum continues to face significant economic challenges. Revenue generated through ticket sales and educational programmes has not been sufficient to cover operational expenses. The government has asked the management to prepare a detailed proposal outlining its financial requirements and future development plans.

Officials also suggested expanding the museum's revenue sources by introducing visitor-friendly facilities such as a cafeteria and upgrading exhibits with modern attractions, including robotics, digital installations and interactive learning experiences designed to engage younger audiences. Another proposal under consideration involves including a representative from the Chief Minister's Office on the museum's governing committee to strengthen administrative coordination.

With state support now on the table, the museum is expected to begin a new phase focused on restoring its financial stability while preserving one of Kolkata's most treasured educational and cultural institutions.