The panel, tasked with overseeing cultural affairs and preservation, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the ministry’s measures in safeguarding the nation’s rich historical heritage.
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In a recent development, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Culture has expressed profound concern over the Ministry of Culture’s (MoC) response regarding the issue of ‘untraceable monuments’ scattered across the country. To subscribe please click tau.id/2iy6f and access our live channel.
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The committee noted that its 324th report on ‘Issues relating to Untraceable Monuments and Protection of Monuments in India’ was forwarded to the ministry for necessary action in June last year. They had emphasized the importance of preserving and documenting these historical sites, considering their significance in understanding the cultural evolution of the nation.
In the 363rd report, the 31-member committee headed by V Vijayasai Reddy of YSR Congress, observed that disregarding or trivialising its views undermines the trust, credibility and seriousness of the ministry “towards the development and preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage.
The panel, in its report placed before the both the Houses in Parliament on Friday, asked the ministry to assess its approach and ensure that its report and suggestions are appropriately examined and implemented.
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As per ASI reports, 50 of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments are now untraceable. 14 monuments have been engulfed by rapid urbanisation, 12 monuments have been submerged, and 24 have vanished. Only 248 of the 3,693 monuments are reportedly guarded due to financial limitations.
According to the panel, the ministry is yet to response to 14 recommendations made by it on issues such as maintenance of Centrally protected monuments under the jurisdiction of the Archeological Survey of India, vacant positions in the agency, and slow progress in drafting of heritage bylaws.
The government panel further stated that, the ministry not only failed to send an interim reply within the stipulated period of three months, but also failed to respond to the multiple reminders issued by the secretariat since then.
The committee has stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the Ministry’s actions. Members have requested a detailed report on the steps taken to locate and document untraceable monuments, as well as the allocation of resources for such endeavors.
