Sat Jun 28 01:26:52 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

The French Museum in Chandannagar, India, located in the historic Dupleix House, has reopened despite lacking ceiling repairs due to delayed funding from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The museum, managed by the state government, suffered ceiling collapses in 2024, endangering artifacts. While the ASI has yet to begin restoration, the West Bengal government has provided 61 CCTV cameras for security. The museum director hopes for collaborative support from both central and state governments to fully restore the building and preserve its collection of Indo-French historical documents.

**News Article:**

**Chandannagar’s French Museum Reopens with Missing Ceiling, New Security**

**Kolkata, June 28, 2025:** The French Museum in Chandannagar, housed in the historic 1740-built Dupleix House, has reopened to the public despite significant structural damage. The museum, which was forced to close after two ceiling collapses in late 2024, is now operating without its false ceiling, as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has yet to commence restoration work due to funding constraints.

While repairs remain pending, the museum has received a boost in security thanks to the West Bengal government, which recently installed 61 CCTV cameras throughout the historic building.

“We reopened in March after the damaged ceiling was removed,” stated Basabi Pal, director of the institute, in an interview with *The Hindu*. “We need to keep our activities alive, and the number of visitors is encouraging.”

The Dupleix House, officially known as Institut de Chandernagor, served as the residence of Joseph Francois Dupleix, the governor-general of French India when Chandannagar was a French colony. The ASI is responsible for the building’s maintenance, while the State Government oversees its operation, including a history library and French language instruction.

The museum’s initial closure was prompted by two separate ceiling collapses in October and November of 2024, which fortunately did not damage any of the artifacts on display. Despite expressing concern and considering temporary relocation, the ASI has not initiated repairs, reportedly due to a lack of funding.

Dr. Pal, who has served as director since 2022, expressed her gratitude for the CCTV installation. “I sent a proposal to the Department of Higher Education, and they agreed! Watchmen are now more attentive, and unwanted visitors are no longer a problem,” she said.

However, Dr. Pal emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive restoration of the building and its artifacts, including valuable Indo-French documents. She appealed to both the central and state governments for increased support, stating, “I understand that both the governments are facing a financial crunch, but at least regular visits from higher authorities will be of big help.”

The reopening of the museum, despite its ongoing structural issues, underscores the importance of preserving this historical landmark and its connection to Indo-French history. Authorities have yet to announce a firm timeline for the commencement of necessary repairs.

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