National Archives in search of a chief
Social sciences are the bedrock of any society. If their study is allowed to languish, a society loses its touch with its moorings. Keeping that in view the government should appoint people in suitable places and not allow bureaucrats to rule the roost
Well-known institutions in the field of social sciences are in a state of wreck. After the unceremonious removal of the director of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Mahesh Rangarajan, comes the news that even after the shortlisting of candidates for the post of director-general of the National Archives, there has been very little movement on that front. More disturbing is the fact that the person likely to get the job did not even apply for it.
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The National Archives is an organisation that has a long history and its mission is to “manage, administer and conserve of records in the country” and “foster close relations between archivists and archival institutions both at the national and international levels”. Researchers from both India and abroad work here. Under the Public Records Act the director general has a huge role. So the government should appoint a competent person without delay.
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Social sciences are the bedrock of any society. If their study is allowed to languish, a society loses its touch with its moorings. Keeping that in view the government should appoint people in suitable places and not allow bureaucrats to rule the roost.