New Delhi: Government on Wednesday dismissed as
"inaccurate" and "skewed analysis" the report of an opinion
survey carried out by the UNESCO at eight national museums and
questioned the methodology adopted in carrying out the task.
"Upon receipt of a copy of the report, a number of issues
relating to the methodology of the opinion survey were brought
to the notice of UNESCO office in Delhi," said Minister of
State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasami in a written
reply at the Lok Sabha.
"In July 2010, the Cultural unit of UNESCO office in
Delhi carried out a public opinion survey of 5 museums in
Delhi, two of which do not come under the premises of Ministry
of Culture," he said.
He said the sample size of 23 surveyors drawn from 3-4
organisations was not a representative sample.
"The report contained 47 graphs analysing the data
collected by 23 surveyors, leading to skewed analysis. There
were calculation errors in computing the scoring and ratings,
giving an inaccurate picture," the minister said.
He also said that the `snapshot` method of conducting the
survey was not appropriate to the subject at hand.
"However, taking into account the need for improvement in
facilities and management of the museums, which is a
continuous process, the Ministry is implementing a `14 issues`
reforms agenda, across various museums under its aegis,"
Narayanasami said.
The agenda includes collection and store management;
proper/scientific display of artifacts; image building,
publicity and cultural events; visiting and travelling
exhibitions, expansion and acquisition of collections; and
conservation and restoration among others.
PTI
