Agartala, March 19, 2026: Tripura’s cultural heritage infrastructure has received a significant boost under the Centre’s Museum Grant Scheme, with the development of the Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya Museum emerging as a key highlight, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Responding to queries in the Upper House, the Minister provided a comprehensive update on museums functioning under the Ministry of Culture, including visitor footfall trends over the past three years and developmental initiatives undertaken during the last five years.

He stated that under the Museum Grant Scheme, the Ministry has established 21 new museums and upgraded 23 existing ones across the country. Additionally, the digitisation of collections in one museum has been completed, while a Virtual Experiential Museum has also been developed as part of efforts to modernise cultural institutions.

Highlighting Tripura’s inclusion in the national initiative, Shekhawat noted that the Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya Museum situated within the historic Kunjaban Palace Complex i.e. Pushpabanta Palace has been developed under the scheme. The museum is managed by the state’s Tourism Development Corporation and serves as an important repository of Tripura’s royal and cultural legacy.

The Museum Grant Scheme provides financial assistance for setting up and upgrading museums to a wide range of institutions, including those run by Central and State governments, autonomous bodies, educational institutions, public sector undertakings, and registered trusts under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The objective is to strengthen museum infrastructure at regional, state, and district levels.

The inclusion of Tripura in the scheme underscores the Centre’s focus on promoting the cultural landscape of the Northeast, while enhancing tourism potential and public engagement with heritage assets.

Shekhawat shared the details in the Rajya Sabha during a discussion on cultural infrastructure and museum development across the country.