**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Ministry of Culture's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 63, addressed on July 21, 2025, regarding museum infrastructure and cultural events.
The Ministry, represented by Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, confirmed that both the Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH) and the Indian Museum (IM) in Kolkata already have operational cafes and museum stores within their premises.
Furthermore, the Ministry stated that there are no current plans to organize a Festival of India in London, Paris, or New York during the fiscal years 2025-2026. Plans for a Festival of India in fiscal year 2026-2027 have not been finalized.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry responsible for culture.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
MS Mahua Moitra: Member of Parliament who asked the question.
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal: A large marble building in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, functioning as a museum.
Indian Museum, Kolkata, West Bengal: One of the largest museums in India, located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: Minister of Culture and Tourism.
Festival of India: A cultural festival showcasing Indian culture.
London: Capital of England and the United Kingdom, considered in the context of a potential location for the 'Festival of India'.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 63
TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025
MUSEUM STORES IN VICTORIA MEMORIAL AND INDIAN MUSEUM
63. MS MAHUA MOITRA:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) Whether the Government has a plan to set up cafe and museum store in the Victoria
Memorial, Kolkata which has the highest footfall and Indian Museum, Kolkata keeping with
their international standards;
(b) If so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) Whether the Government has a plan to organize festival of Indian overseas in London or
Paris or New York as we march towards 2027, the 80th year of independence; and
(d) If so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE & TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) & (b): Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH) and Indian Museum (IM), Kolkata are already having
Cafe/Museum Store within their premises.
(c) & (d): No. There is no plan of organizing Festival of India in London or Paris or New York
during 2025-26. Further, Festival of India is not finalized for FY 2026-27.
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