National Library has got funds for the "retro-conversion of records", which means the conversion of hand-written catalogue cards into machine-readable format. "About Rs 9.49 crore has been allotted for retro-conversion," said Sircar. "Unaccessioned" books, titles sent to the library but not registered, are being catalogued. As there is shortage of staff, new books often pile up.

"The backlog of `unaccessioned' books is being worked on. In the first phase, there are 2.5 lakh titles in Indian languages and 20,000 in English," said Sircar. The work has been outsourced.

Funds were not really the problem, Sircar said. More funds could follow depending on "the capacity of the professionals".

There were other problems with city institutions, he acknowledged, but said that there were checks in place.

On the CBI inquiry against Chittaranjan Panda, secretary and curator, Victoria Memorial, under the scanner following allegations of fake works of art installed at the memorial, Sircar said the authorities were waiting till the probe was over. But he added that he has spoken to the CBI director on the matter, stressing that the image of the memorial should not be tarnished.

Sircar also allayed fears about the suggestion of installing a mansard roof atop the Indian Museum. Many feel a sloping roof, like the one at Writers' Buildings, would be a disaster for the museum. Sircar said no decision was taken yet; one would be taken only after public discourse and ensuring that the building can withstand such an installation.

On the disappearance of artefacts from Asiatic Society, in which some feel high-powered insiders are involved, Sircar said that the institution, along with a few others, has been asked to go for "100 per cent cataloguing" after physical verification, which would record an item only after it was found to be physically on the premises.