In the 2026–27 budget, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a grant of INR 75 lakh for the historic Asiatic Society of Mumbai located in Fort.
Asiatic Society President Vispi Balaporia said, “We had requested INR 1 crore from the municipal corporation. We are happy to receive INR 75 lakh.”
She explained that paying staff salaries every month is a major challenge. The institution receives an annual grant from the Ministry of Culture of the central government, but there are restrictions on how that fund can be used. For the past two years, the Maharashtra government has been providing an annual grant of INR 1 crore; however, that amount cannot be used to pay salaries.
“We are grateful to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani for this grant. The funds can be used to purchase books, renew Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC), repair computers, and conserve and restore valuable artefacts and manuscripts,” she said.
Given that the building is large and old, it requires extensive maintenance. In some places, plaster from the ceiling has begun to fall. “My own office is in a dilapidated condition, so I currently work from the Durbar Hall with just a table and chair,” she added.
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