Guwahati, Jan. 29: Dispur is now looking to upgrade the future of the storehouses of the past.

The state government will push for revamp of museums across the state by integrating new technologies and setting up state-of-the art galleries with an aim to preserve the centuries-old cultural heritage of Assam.

Assam minister of state (independent charge), cultural affairs, Bismita Gogoi, who took charge recently, said she would consider taking up schemes to upgrade Assam State Museum, which is celebrating its platinum jubilee year.

'I have taken charge of the department only recently, but yes, development of the museum is on the cards,' Gogoi told reporters after inaugurating the annexe housing the Northeast gallery (textile section) here today.

The annexe is a part of a scheme (to upgrade the infrastructure of the Assam State Museum) conceptualised and initiated in 2004-2005 under the Assam State Museum Management Society.

The Union ministry of culture had released Rs 2.25 crore of the Rs 3 crore sanctioned as first instalment in 2007-2008. In 2012-13, the government of Assam accorded and sanctioned Rs 2 crore for the project.

During the inaugural function of the 70th Annual Conference of Museums Association of India here today, the cultural affairs minister recalled the history of the museum and the contributions of Kamrupa Anusandhana Samiti, the pioneer organisation in the field of historical and antiquarian studies of the state.

The state directorate of museums is hosting the two-day conference on its Ambari premises. Altogether 75 participants from across the country are attending.

Papers on the museum movement of India, along with the role of regional museums, will be presented during the meet.

'We have 12 galleries at the Assam State Museum and the plan is to have more. We are looking to have modern galleries with interactive displays through the use of information technology,' Preetom Saikia, commissioner and secretary, cultural affairs department, said at the inaugural function.

Along with the North East gallery, two more - the Southeast Asian and Buddhist art galleries - are coming up at the annexe, which also houses interactive space for activities like audio-visual presentation and screening of documentaries.

'There are seven district-level museums in the state and we look to carry the museum movement forward in the years to come,' he added.

The museum, since its inception, has been relentlessly pursuing collection, conservation, documentation and preservation of cultural heritage of the Assam and neighbouring states in a scientific manner. It is a treasure trove for over 14,000 objects, of which nearly 5,000 are on display.

'The need of the hour is to revamp the museum by integrating new technology in its management,' said Y.S. Wunglengton, the director of museums, Assam.

The Kamrupa Anusandhana Samiti established the Assam Provincial Museum in 1940, which was later re-christened the Assam State Museum.

The directorate of archaeology took charge of the museum in 1953 till 2003, following which the cultural affairs department took over.