Former culture secretary to oversee NMML operations

NEW DELHI: The government has made a key appointment to oversee the Museums of Prime Ministers at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML), a project the Modi government has intensified work on, despite criticism from the Congress that claims the project will dilute former PM Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy.

Departing from its usual practice, the government has appointed former culture secretary Raghavendra Singh as CEO of Development of Museums and Cultural Spaces for three years, and has said in its notification that he will “exercise the powers of a secretary” and look after all affairs related to NMML, IGNCA, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts and National Museum.

The opening of the museum on prime ministers of India, which is being set up on the premises of Jawaharlal Nehru’s erstwhile residence, Teen Murti Estate, could be delayed by a few months, sources in the Union culture ministry said.

Singh’s appointment is to expedite matters related to the project that is running late by three months. Many files related to clearances and approvals of the project have been stuck in the ministry before the run-up to the election but the work has resumed now, an official said.