Object and Reasons The Asiatic Society, Calcutta is a society deemed to be registered under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961. It was established on the 15th January, 1784 through the exertion of the well-known indologist William Jones who was then a puisne Judge of the then Supreme Court at Fort William in Bengal. The Soceity has all along served as the fountain head of various literary and scientific activities in the country. The society has a rich collection of books, manuscripts, coins and various art objects.2. Over the years, the activities of the Society have declined and its affairs have deteriorated. Recently, the society approached the Government for assistance and for declaring it as an institution of national importance. The society in its meeting held on 5th December, 1983 also resolved that the Government of India be requested to declare the Asiatic Society as an institution of national importance by an Act of Parliament and that the Government of India be requested to take expenditious steps to follow up action in this regard.3. Having regard to the objects of the Soceity, it is considered appropriate that the soceity should be declared to be an institution of national importance. The bill makes such a declaration and provides for the requisite financial assistance to be given to the society and for suitable powers of control being exercised.[23rd March, 1984]An Act to declare the institution known as the Asiatic Society having at present its registered office in Calcutta to be an institution of national importance and to provide for certain matters connected therewith.Be it enacted by Parliament in the Thirty-fifth Year of the Republic of India as follows :-
