two hundred thirty third report demands for...
TRANSCRIPT
PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA
DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND CULTURE
Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi May, 2016/ Vaisakha, 1938 (Saka)
Report No.233
TWO HUNDRED THIRTY THIRD REPORT Demands for Grants (2016-17) of Ministry of Culture
(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 04.05.2016) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 04.05.2016)
3
PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA
DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT,
TOURISM AND CULTURE
TWO HUNDRED THIRTY THIRD REPORT Demands for Grants (2016-17) of Ministry of Culture
(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 04.05.2016) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 04.05.2016)
RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI
May, 2016/ Vaisakha, 1938 (Saka)
4
C O N T E N T S
PA G ES 1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (i)
2. INTRODUCTION (ii)
3. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS (iii)-(iv)
4. REPORT 1- 16
5. OBSERVATIONS/CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS AT A GLANCE 17-21
6. *MINUTES
*To be appended at printing stage.
5
COMPOSITION OF THE DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND CULTUR E
(2015-2016)
1. Dr. Kanwar Deep Singh - Chairman RAJYA SABHA
2. Shri Ritabrata Banerjee 3. Dr. K. Chiranjeevi 4. Shri Narendra Kumar Kashyap 5. Dr. Prabhakar Kore 6. Shri Kiranmay Nanda 7. Kumari Selja 8. Shri Rajeev Shukla 9. @ Shri Narendra Kumar Swain 10. # Vacant
LOK SABHA
11. Shri Ram Charitra Nishad 12. Shri Vinod Chavda 13. Shri Rajeshbhai Naranbhai Chudasama 14. Km. Arpita Ghosh 15. Shri Rahul Kaswan 16. Shri P. Kumar 17. *Shri Harish Chandra Meena 18. Yogi Aditya Nath 19. Shri Kristappa Nimmala 20. Shri Rajesh Pandey 21. Shri Rajesh Ranjan 22. Shri P. Srinivasa Reddy 23. Shri Ram Kumar Sharma 24. Shri Prathap Simha 25. Shri Dushyant Singh 26. Shri Kunwar Haribansh Singh 27. Shri Rakesh Singh 28. Shri Shatrughan Sinha 29. Shri Dasrath Tirkey 30. Shri Manoj Tiwari 31. Shri K.C. Venugopal
SECRETARIAT Shri J.G. Negi, Joint Secretary Shri Swarabji B., Director Shri Arun Kumar, Assistant Director Smt. Catherine John L., Assistant Director Shri P.P. Raumon, Committee Officer
_______________________________________________________________ @ Nominated on 15th March, 2016. # Vacancy caused due to expiry of the term of Shri Avinash Rai Khanna w.e.f. 9th April, 2016. * Nominated in place of Shri Mohammed Faizal PP. w.e.f. 14th March, 2016.
(i)
6
INTRODUCTION
I, the Chairman, Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, having been authorized by the Committee to present on its behalf, do hereby present this Two Hundred Thirty Third Report on Demands for Grants (2016-17) of the Ministry of Culture.
2. The Committee, at its meeting held on the 7th April, 2016 considered the subject and heard the Secretary and other officials of the Ministry of Culture.
3. The Committee wishes to express its thanks to the officers of Ministry of Culture for placing before the Committee, the material and information desired in connection with the subject and for clarifying the points raised by the Members.
4. The Committee considered and adopted the Report at its meeting held on the 3rd May, 2016.
DR. KANWAR DEEP SINGH NEW DELHI; Chairman, May,3, 2016 Department-related Parliamentary Standing Vaisakha 13, 1938 (Saka) Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture.
(ii)
7
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ACC - Appointments Committee of the Cabinet AMASR Act
- Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
AnSI - Anthropological Survey of India ASI - Archaeological Survey of India BE - Budget Estimate CCRT - Centre for Cultural Resources and Training CDAC - Centre for Development of Advanced Computing Co_Pis. - Co-Project Implementers CSS - Centrally Sponsored Scheme DG - Director-General Dir. Epig. - Director Epigraphy DLB - Delhi Library Board DoPT - Department of Personnel and Training DTH - Direct to Home Dy. S. Epig.
- Deputy Superintending Epigraphist
Dy. SA - Deputy Superintending Archaeologist Dy. SAE - Deputy Superintending Archaeological Engineer HPC - High Powered Committee ICR - International Cultural Relations ICT - Information and Communications Technology IGNCA - Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University IIT - Indian Institute of Technology ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization KMMT - Komagata Maru Memorial Trust KoPT - Kolkata Port Trust MoF - Ministry of Finance MoUs - Memorandum of Understandings NAI - National Archives of India NCF - National Culture Fund NGOs - Non-Government Organizations NIC - National Informatics Centre
(iii)
8
NKN - National Knowledge Network NML - National Model Libraries NMML - Nehru Memorial Museum and Library NPRD - National Platform for the Rights of Disabled NRSA - National Remote Sensing Agency NSD - National School of Drama NVLI - National Virtual Library of India PCM - Project Management Committee PI - Project Implementers PMO - Prime Minister Office R&D - Research and Development RE - Revised Estimate RFID - Radio Frequency Identification RRC - Regional Resource Centre RRRLF - Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation SA Engr. - Superintending Archaeologist Engineer SNA - Sangeet Natak Akademi UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization UPSC - Union Public Service Commission
(iv)
9
REPORT
The Ministry of Culture deals with the preservation and conservation of the country’s rich cultural heritage and promotion of art and culture. The Ministry functions through two attached offices, six subordinate offices and thirty five autonomous organizations which are fully funded by the Government. There are seven Zonal Cultural Centres for promoting folk and traditional arts of different regions of the country. There are also four National Missions namely National Mission for Manuscripts, National Mission for Monuments and Antiquities, National Mission on Libraries and Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission.
2. The Ministry is responsible for the protection, development and promotion of both tangible and intangible heritage an culture and also manages several knowledge resource centres. In addition, the Ministry is mandated to preserve Gandhian heritage and for commemoration of important historical events and centenaries. With regard to tangible heritage, the Ministry takes care of all the Centrally protected monuments of national importance, which is achieved through Archeological Survey of India. Similarly, the Ministry is also promoting a museum movement in the country and majority of the museums are under its administrative control. The Ministry also promotes regional museums through grant-in-aids. In the field of intangible heritage, the Ministry extends financial support to individuals, group of individuals and cultural organizations engaged in performing visual and literary arts. Similarly, the Ministry through its organizations, is engaged in recognizing excellence in the field of art and culture by way of awards given by institutions like Sahitya Akademi and Sangeet Natak Akademi. The National School of Drama is involved in promoting a vibrant theatre movement of contemporary relevance in the context of our traditions and cultural diversity.
3. In knowledge heritage, the Ministry is the custodian of all the major libraries in the country. It also extends grant-in-aid for library development and is also responsible for all policy matters regarding library development. Through National Achieves of India, Ministry is responsible for maintenance of all archival records of the country. The Ministry is also involved in protection and promotion of Buddhist and Tibetan Culture. This Ministry has a well-planned capacity-building programme for all those who want to excel in the field of Indian as well as Asian art and Culture.
Assessment of the Demands for Grants (2016-17) of the Ministry 4. The Demands for Grants (2016-17) of the Ministry of Culture has been presented to Parliament under Demand No. 19 amounting to Rs. 2500 crores.
5. The Plan and Non-Plan, Revenue & Capital and Charged & Voted break-up of the total budgetary provision of the Ministry for the year 2016-17 are as given in the following table:
(Rs. in crores) Demand No. Total Plan Non-
Plan Revenue Capital Charged Voted
19-Ministry of Culture
2500 1755 745 2430 70 - 2500
10
6. The above mentioned table reflects that out of the total allocation of Rs. 2500 crore in Demand No. 19, Rs. 1755 crore is Plan allocation & Rs. 745 crore is Non-Plan allocation; Rs. 2430 crore is allocation under the Revenue head and Rs. 70 crore is allocated under the Capital head.
(Rs. in crores) Major Head
Budget Estimates 2015-16
Revised Estimates 2015-16
Budget Estimates 2016-17
Plan Non-Plan
Total Plan Non-Plan
Total Plan Non-Plan
Total
Revenue 1407.50* 714.00 2121.50 1344.50 714.00 2058.50 1685.00 745.00 2430.00 Capital 77.50 - 77.50 72.50 - 72.50 70.00 - 70.00 Total 1485.00 714.00 2199.00 1417.00 714.00 2131.00 1755.00 745.00 2500.00 *Includes Rs. 30.00 crore obtained in the 1st Supplementary Demands for Grants 2015-16.
7. As against total budgetary provision of Rs. 2199.00 crore at BE 2015-16 which has been reduced to Rs. 2131.00 crore at RE 2015-16, the budget for 2016-17 for Ministry of Culture has been pegged at Rs. 2500.00 crore, consisting of Rs. 1755.00 crore for Plan and Rs. 745.00 crore under Non-Plan for undertaking various prioritized programmes/activities/projects under Plan & Non-Plan Heads.
8. The Committee is happy to note that the Ministry has been allocated about 17.32% more than the budgetary provisions at RE (2015-16). The Committee hopes that the Ministry would be able to spend the allocation in a judicious manner.
9. As per the restructured format approved by Ministry of Finance, both Plan and Non-Plan outlays for 2016-17 have been further allocated to various Organizations and Schemes, under the following new Umbrella Schemes:
(Rs. in crores) S.No. Umbrella
Schemes (rationalized Budget Heads)
Plan Allocation for 2016-17
Non-Plan Allocation for 2016-17
Total Allocation for 2016-17
1 Secretariat-Social Services
0.00 29.24 29.24
2 ASI 350.00 330.63 680.63 3 Cultural
Institutions 316.45 86.09 402.54
4 Museums 270.48 138.87 409.35 5 Libraries and
Archives 142.07 102.21 244.28
6 Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana
300.00 56.88 356.88
7 International Co-Operation
33.50 1.08 34.58
8 Centenary and 342.50 0.00 342.50
11
Anniversary Celebrations
Total 1755.00 745.00 2500.00
10. The above allocations include 10% provision for North East Activities, 2% for Tribal Sub-Plan as well as provision for Capital Works (for Attached/Subordinate Offices/Schemes) under Plan for 2016-17.
11. The Ministry has stated that new rationalized/Umbrella Schemes have been conceptualized for the financial year 2016-17, on the instruction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and all the organizations / schemes have been clubbed in the revised rationalized pattern keeping in view their aims and objectives.
12. The Committee hopes that the restructured allocation will allow the Ministry freedom to allocate funds among the schemes and institutions clubbed within the group, as and when the need arises. The Committee emphasizes that the Ministry should ensure that such allocation will not affect the existing schemes/programmes of the Ministry.
Ministry’s projected demand vis-à-vis budgetary allocation 13. The Ministry of Culture has stated in its written reply that the Ministry had projected an outlay of Rs. 3014.44 crore for Annual Plan 2016-17 on the basis of various activities/schemes proposed to be taken up by the cultural organizations/schemes under the Ministry. The Ministry of Finance has allocated a sum of Rs. 1755.00 crore under Plan for the year 2016-17 and no reason for this reduction vis-à-vis the projected outlay has been intimated by the Ministry of Finance.
14. The Ministry has stated that the reduced allocation is likely to impact almost all sectors/ umbrella schemes of the Ministry including Archaeological Survey of India, Cultural Institutions, Museums, Libraries & Archives, Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana, etc. Ministry of Culture has earmarked Plan funds among various Rationalized/Umbrella Schemes/Sectors, keeping in view the requirements and overall Plan allocation.
15. The Committee notes that the Ministry was allocated only 58.22% of its projected Plan outlay. The Committee feels that in view of the various Schemes/Programmes/activities undertaken by the Ministry of Culture which are important in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the nation, such reduced allocation is not desirable. The Committee is of the opinion that in view of the requirements of the Ministry, more allocation should be made to the Ministry at the RE stage in the current financial year. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should pursue this matter with the Ministry of Finance at the highest level.
12th Five Year Plan 16. For the 12th Five Year Plan, as against the proposed outlay of Rs. 18668.94 crore, Planning Commission has approved a Plan allocation of Rs. 7275.00 crore for Ministry of Culture for priority areas/new schemes/perspectives and ongoing schemes/activities/projects under different sectors. The actual Plan allocation for 12th Plan is about 38.97% of the proposed outlay for 12th Plan. The approved Sector-wise break up of approved outlay for the 12th Plan is as per details given below:-
12
(Rs. in crores) S.No. Organization/Scheme 12th Plan Approved
Outlay 1 Secretariat-Social Services 25.00 2 Archaeological Survey of India + CSS 1440.84 3 Promotion and Dissemination of Art and Culture 1806.05 4 Anthropology 125.00 5 Archives & Archival Libraries 171.30 6 Buddhist & Tibetan Studies 214.25 7 Museums 1162.01 8 Public Libraries 728.50 9 Memorials, Centenaries and Others 606.55 10 International Cultural Relations (ICR) 79.00 11 Activities for the North-East Region 727.50 Total (Revenue) 7086.00 12 Building Project of Attached/Subordinate
Offices 189.00
Grand Total 7275.00 17. The position of Plan expenditure vis-à-vis the annual allocation, during 12th Plan period (2012-17), is indicated in the following table:
(Rs. in crores)
Year/Annual Plan
BE RE Actual Expenditure
%w.r.t. RE
XII Plan Allocation
7275.00
2012-13 864.00 864.00 803.79 93.03 2013-14 1537.00 1470.00 1380.13 93.89 2014-15 1835.00 1500.00 1418.58 94.57 2015-16 1485.00 1417.00 1241.34* 87.60 2016-17 1755.00 *Position as on 07.04.2016
18. The Committee notes that the Ministry was able to spend more than 90% of its Plan allocation during the first three years of the 12th Plan. It also notes that BE allocations had consistently been reduced at RE stage, despite posting very good expenditure by the Ministry. It should be avoided in future.
19. The Non-Plan year-wise financial performance of the Ministry for the past four years is given below:-
(Rs. in crores)
13
Year/Annual Plan
BE RE Actual Expenditure
%w.r.t. RE
2012-13 583.00 586.15 587.15 100.17 2013-14 627.00 624.80 611.59 97.89 2014-15 676.00 659.00 650.59 98.72 2015-16 714.00 714.00 719.87* 100.82 *Tentative
20. The Ministry has informed the Committee that the Ministry has evolved a mechanism to monitor the pace of expenditure of budgetary allocation constantly during the financial year. Under this arrangement, the progress of implementation of the schemes as well as the expenditure under each scheme is constantly monitored at the highest level i.e., Secretary (Culture) and Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor (Culture) and Joint Secretaries in weekly/ fortnightly/ monthly/ quarterly meetings held regularly. Instructions have also been issued to all implementing agencies in the Ministry, at the beginning of the financial year to phase out the expenditure in such a manner so that the quantum of expenditure incurred under these organizations/ schemes is propelled and also sustained in an even manner during the months of the financial year.
21. The Ministry has further stated that from the financial year 2014-15, the Ministry of Culture has introduced a system of signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with all organizations under which monitoring of financial and physical performance regularly have been made mandatory. The implementation of MoUs will invariably facilitate the Ministry to monitor the progress of expenditure along with physical outputs/achievements in respect of the organizations under its administrative control. The arrangement will provide impetus to improve the financial performances, i.e. progress of expenditure of organizations at any point of time during the year.
22. The Committee takes note of the steps taken by the Ministry to ensure optimum utilization of the allocation.
23. The Committee observes that Rs. 10 lakhs has been surrendered under the head ‘Artists’ Pension Scheme’ during 2014-15. The Committee would like to know the reasons for the surrender. The Committee feels that this is an undesirable development as hundreds of artists and artisans are struggling to make a living. Surrendering pension funds, for whatever reasons, is unacceptable. The Ministry should have spent the entire allocation for the benefit of poor artisans and artists. The Committee hopes that the Ministry would take care that no such fund lapses.
Archaeological Survey of India 24. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861. It functions as an attached office of the Ministry of Culture. ASI is engaged in protection, preservation and conservation of 3686 protected monuments of national importance including 21 World heritage Monuments and 44 site museums spread all over India which are directly under the ASI.
14
25. The Committee was informed that ASI has been allocated just Rs. 200 crores for conservation activities, which is grossly inadequate to meet the requirement for the purpose. The Committee recommends that ASI should be given adequate funds to undertake conservation activities at RE stage. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Culture should take up the matter with the Ministry of Finance.
Removal of encroachments in monuments 26. The Ministry, in its reply, has furnished the following details of encroachments removed from the premises of centrally protected monuments in the past five years:-
Sl. No. Name of monument Locality District State
1. Stone observatory, Man Mahal
Varanasi Vanarasi
Uttar Pradesh
2. Dharahara Masjid Varanasi Vanarasi 3. General Wali Kothi Lucknow Lucknow
4. Mohibullapur Memorial Pillar
Hajratganj Lucknow
5. Platform and Stair cases of Amjad Ali Shah’s Mauloleum
Lucknow Lucknow
6. Nakkar Khana/Naubat Khana of Bara Imbara
Lucknow Lucknow
7. Sikanderbagh Complex Lucknow Lucknow
8. Cemetery near fort Machchi Bhawan
Lucknow Lucknow
9. Cemetery Bargawun Lucknow 10. Tomb of Bahu Begum Faizabad Faizabad
11. Gourjhamar Fort Gourjhamar Sagar Madhya Pradesh
12. Shiva Temple Belpan Bilaspur Chattisgarh 13. Chaiturgarh Fort Lapha Korba
14. Tank, Palace and Harem Sarkhej Ahmedabad Gujarat
15. Ancient site at Newasa Ahmednagar
Maharashtra
16. Markandadev Temple Markanda Gadchiroli
17. Someshwar Mahadev Temple
Ner Yeotmal
18. Ghirshneshwaar Mahadev Temple
Ellora Aurangabad
19. Lothian Road Cemetery
Delhi
NCT of Delhi
20. Chhota Batashewala Gumbad
21. Bara Batashewala Gumbad
22. Qudusia Bagh Mosque 23. Vijay Mandal (Partly)
15
27. The Ministry, in its written reply furnished to the Committee, has stated that the Ministry of Culture took up the issue of removal of encroachments in the Centrally protected monuments with the State Governments and requested that State Level Coordination Committees may be formed for proper monitoring and removal of encroachment. Subsequent to this, the State Government of Assam, Rajasthan, Orissa, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have formed the said Committees.
28. The Committee appreciates the steps taken by ASI to protect and preserve the monuments and heritage sites of our country. The Committee desires that the Ministry may pursue the other State Governments also to setup the State level Co-ordination Committees.
29. But the Committee feels in NCT of Delhi, lot of important monuments are still under encroachment with little chance of getting them removed. Zafar Mahal, for example, in Qutub area is on the verge of being demolished by encroachers and we are not able to do much about it. The Committee would like to have a status report on the monument.
30. As per the Ministry’s reply, the preparation of first draft for amendment in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 is ready. The issue is also being discussed with various stake holders.
31. The Committee, although is not against the view that ASI can effectively fulfill its mandate if it has adequate statutory backing to remove and prevent encroachments, it, however, is of the considered opinion that it would not help to any great extent, until we are able to strike at the nexus between the unscrupulous elements and local authorities including the police, leaving ASI helpless in this regard. If the proposed amendment is for breaking the unholy nexus, the Committee would welcome this. The Committee hopes that the amendments proposed in the AMASR Act would equip ASI to execute its demolition orders and also that the Act would stipulate the action to be taken against the District Authorities in case of laxity or non- co-operation on their part in executing the demolition orders.
32. The Ministry has stated in its reply that a Committee of the Ministry of Culture has recommended a Special Force along with the help of tools and electronic gadgets for protection of Monuments and art installations as part of a comprehensive security policy. The time frame cannot be indicated at this stage as it is still under consideration of Government.
33. The Committee welcomes such a step for the protection of the monuments and desires that the idea may be actively considered by the Government to transform it into reality. The Committee would like to know the opinion of Union Ministry of Home as well as the States on this.
34. The Ministry has informed the Committee that the ASI has entered into an MOU with ISRO for preparation of Survey plans with respect to all Centrally protected monuments/sites. The survey plans will indicate area of monument, prohibited boundary and regulated area. Hence an individual would be able to assess location of his site where construction is proposed and apply online for permission accordingly. The National Monuments Authority has already launched the
16
web site in this regard. Further, the MOU with ISRO provides for development of a mobile application, based on the ISRO Bhuwan software, through which the applicant could determine the geo-coordinates of his property, simply by using his smart phone at the site, which he could provide in the online application through the National Monuments Authority portal for permission to repair/renovate/construct.
35. As per the Annual Report of the Ministry, so far, more than 500 maps have been prepared by ASI and are available on NRSA/Bhuvan Portal for public. A Government order has been issued by Ministry of Culture on 05.02.2016 with regard to guidelines to grant of permissions for construction related activities within prohibited/regulated area of Centrally Protected monuments/sites.
36. The Committee observes that such an online facility would enable the public as well as owners of the properties adjacent to the protected monuments to find out the exact prohibited and regulated area easily. This has also simplified the process of applying for permission to repair/ renovate/ construct. The Committee desires that wide publicity should be given to this facility in future. The Committee, however, would like to say that encroachments happen not because people are not aware of area restrictions under AMASR Act, but they have intention to do it and they do it with the connivance of local agencies/ authorities who are aware of these restrictions. The Committee, however, feels it would be better to have such an App. rather than not having it at all.
Must See Portal 37. The Committee was informed that recently, the Archaeological Survey of India initiated a process to make a web portal for a list of “Must See” that features outstanding Indian Monuments and Sites. Such monuments and sites must display exceptionality in terms of art and architecture, planning and design, being a unique testimony to the civilization in the past and being an outstanding type of building showing exemplary engineering skills. The main intention to create this portal is to highlight a few exceptional Indian monuments and sites and popularize them among the visitors. The information being provided on the portal for these sites would be useful to the visitors in developing their interest for the site and planning of their visits.
38. The Committee appreciates this initiative. The Committee hopes that through the Portal, the public will come to know about more Indian monuments and sites which have heritage value.
Conservation portal for ASI works 39. As per the Annual Report (2015-16) of the Ministry of Culture, portal for Conservation works is being launched by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which aims to capture details of all conservation and development works being undertaken by its various Circles. The portal has been developed to increase transparency and will be accessible to public as a part of e-governance initiative. The portal will have details of all works being undertaken by ASI through its various Circles, viz., conservation programme, progress of work, attendance of workers, etc., including time line, which can be monitored at different levels. The portal is expected to be launched shortly.
40. The Committee appreciates the work relating to conservation/ protection of our monuments and hopes that this Portal would prove to be an effective step in
17
promoting and ensuring transparency in the conservation activities undertaken by ASI.
Adarsh Smarak 41. ASI has identified 25 monuments for inclusion under Adarsh Smarak monuments. They are as follows:-
1. Leh Palace, Leh, J&K; 2. Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi; 3. Qutub Complex, New Delhi; 4. Red Fort, Delhi; 5. Hazardwari Palace, Murshidabad, WB; 6. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, TN; 7. Elephanta Caves, Mumbai; 8. Taj Mahal, Agra, UP; 9. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan; 10. Rani-ki-Vav, Patan, Gujarat; 11. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, UP; 12. Group of monuments Hampi, Karnataka; 13. Jageshwar Temples, Uttarakhand; 14. Sravasti, UP; 15. Sarnath, UP; 16. Vaishali-Kolhua, Bihar; 17. Khajuraho, MP; 18. Mandu, MP; 19. Martand Temple, Kashmir; 20. Tangier-Brihadeshwar, TN; 21. Group of Temples, Pattadakal, Karnataka; 22. Masur Rock-cut Temple, Himachal Pradesh; 23. Rang Ghar, Sibsagar, Assam; 24. Konark Temple, Odisha; and 25. Daulatabad Fort, Maharashtra
42. The Committee was informed that these monuments would be provided necessary tourist amenities including washrooms, drinking water, signage, cafeteria, audio visual center, Wi-Fi, security, encroachment free area, interpretation centers, water management system. The monuments will also be made disabled friendly. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will also be implemented in these monuments.
43. The Committee takes note of the amenities that would be provided at the Adarsh Smarak monuments and desires that all the ASI monuments should be upgraded to the standards of the Adarsh Smarak in a phased manner.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan 44. Under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Sarnath Circle of ASI has adopted the Man Mandir Ghat in Varanasi. Besides cleaning activity, a green belt has also been developed here. In achieving these objectives, ASI is also involving corporate sector.
18
45. The Committee hopes that ASI will engage the corporate sector in more such activities.
Contractual employees of ASI 46. It was brought to the notice of the Committee that ASI employs a large number of people as security guards, watchmen and last grade employees for decades together, but without making them regular or permanent employee. There are being paid meagre wages and without any social security or heath coverage. 47. The Committee feels that this is total injustice and violation of all norms and practices laid down by various legislations. The Committee is disheartened to note that this anti-labour practice is being perpetuated by ASI, one of the premier Government institutions of the country. This Committee, therefore, recommends that the ASI and Ministry of Culture should take all possible steps to ensure that its contractual employees are paid decent wages alongwith adequate social security schemes and health coverage, until they are given permanent status. E-ticketing 48. The Ministry, in its Annual Report, has stated that there are 116 ticketed monuments and 35 museums under the protection of ASI. E-ticketing facility has been launched in co-ordination with Canara Bank with the aim of providing online booking facility for visitors. Moreover, the facility is proving to be less expensive as compared to manual ticketing system which was prevalent earlier. Additional benefit will be in terms of relieving ASI personnel, mostly monument attendants, who will now be able to concentrate on the security and maintenance of monuments instead of dispensing and checking tickets.
49. The Committee feels that e-ticketing would ensure a hassle free entry to the visitors at the monuments, which would encourage more people to visit these monuments. The Committee desires that this facility should be made available in all the ASI ticketed monuments.
National Museum 50. National Museum, in collaboration with UNESCO, National Platform for the Rights of Disabled (NPRD) and Saksham launched a new permanent gallery for Persons with Disabilities. Featuring tactile replicas of 22 outstanding objects from the collections of the Museum as well as an audio guide, ramps and descriptive labels in Braille, the gallery encourages visitors to ‘touch’ and feel the objects on display. Through its tactile structure, the gallery displaces the hegemony of the visual and explores different ways to experience art for disabled and other visitors of the Museum. RFID tags and 3-D photography 51. The Secretary informed the Committee that on pilot basis, all the artefacts at the National Museum are tagged with RFID tags and that this enables the RFID reader to record all the artefacts and save them in the computer. Also, 3-D photography of the museum objects has also been done, which is stored in the JATAN software. 52. The Committee appreciates these initiatives.
Functioning of Akademis 53. The Committee notes the fact that the High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted on the advice of Parliamentary Committee to look into various issues related to Akademis’ Working submitted its Report in a record few months in May
19
2014. The HPC has advised that a Committee be set up to implement its recommendations .
54. The Ministry, in its reply, has stated that the Government has already decided to implement most of the acceptable recommendations of High Powered Committee on Akademis and other institutions under Ministry of Culture subject to maintaining the autonomous character of the Akademis and other institutions as per their Memorandum of Association/ Deed/ Rules & Regulations etc. Necessary orders/ instructions have since been issued by the Ministry to the Akademis and other institutions to initiate necessary action for implementations of recommendations concerning them after obtaining approval of their Governing Body/ Executive Council etc, as the case may be. Some Institutions namely National School of Drama (NSD), Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) & Centre for Cultural Resources & Training (CCRT) have taken approval of their competent authority for implementation of the recommendations accepted by them.
55. The Committee notes that some Institutions have taken action for implementation of the recommendations of the HPC. The Committee desires that the recommendations may be implemented by all the concerned cultural organizations without further delay. The Committee may be apprised of the action taken by the Institutions on a quarterly basis on the implementation of the recommendations of the High Powered Committee.
56. The Secretary, Ministry of Culture while deposing before the Committee stated that the Akademis need to be more accountable to the Ministry and that the Ministry’s role is not confined to giving grants only.
57. The Committee endorses the view put forward by the Secretary, Ministry of Culture and desires that the Ministry should take effective steps to ensure the accountability of these Cultural Institutions without impairing their autonomy in any manner.
Cultural Mapping of India 58. The Secretary informed the Committee that the Ministry of Culture has an ambitious project of Rs. 3000 crores for a period of 5 years and that an amount of Rs. 100 crores was asked for this purpose in the projected demand for 2016-17. However, the amount was not sanctioned. 59. Under this project it is envisaged that a data base of all the artists in the Country would be created. For this, about 10,000 volunteers would cover each village in a year, organizing programmes/competitions in the village in 100 disciplines. These competitions will be held at the Panchayat level, Block level, District level and State level. The winning artists would be given cash prizes. At National level, Rs. 10,00,000 would be given as first prize; Rs. 5,00,000 as second prize; Rs. 3,00,000 as third prize; and Rs. 50,000 as consolation prize for 5 persons. 20% of the reward would be given to the guru who mentored the winner. A total of 800 artists will be selected each year for the awards.
60. The Committee appreciates this initiative for talent hunting and hopes that when it materializes, it would enable the Ministry to create a data base of artists of varied forms of art and culture in the country. The Committee recommends that the Ministry may make a proposal for seeking involvement of village Panchayats
20
for these activities and also seek for necessary funds at the RE stage of this financial year, from the Ministry of Finance for this purpose.
National Culture Fund 61. The primary mandate of NCF’s primary mandate is to establish and nurture partnerships in the field of heritage between private and public sectors, government, non-government agencies, private institutions and foundations and mobilize resources for the restoration, conservation, protection and development of India’s rich, natural, tangible and intangible heritage.
62. As per the Annual Report of the Ministry, the projects completed in 2015-16 are Conservation of Sunderwala Mahal, Sunder Nursery, New Delhi; and NCF project of “Treasures of Indian Museum Series” for National Museum.
63. The Committee feels that the National Culture Fund should be given more visibility and publicity so that it would attract t he participation of more corporates and other organizations. It would like to know the extent of participation of various Organisations to this Fund during the last 5 years.
Asiatic Society, Kolkata 64. As per Audit Para No. 3.1 of Report No. 23 of 2013 (Undue benefits to employees) in respect of the Asiatic Society, Kolkata, the Society has started recovery of salary of its employees on account of wrongly granted one additional increment from June, 2014 onwards. Out of the total recoverable amount Rs. 34,72,013.00, a sum of Rs.22,55,783/- has been recovered by the Asiatic Society, Kolkata till January, 2016.
65. The Committee desires that the Ministry should undertake strict supervision and monitoring of the Asiatic Society of India to ensure that such irregularities do not happen and a report should be sent to the Committee after settlement of the existing Audit Para No. 3.1 of Report No.23 of 2013.
Vacancies in various Organizations under the Ministry S. No
Name of Organisation
Name of Vacant Post
No. of vacant post
Present status of filling up the vacancy
1 ASI Joint DG Dy. SA Dy. SAE SA Engr. Dir.Epig. (Sans) Dy. S.Epig.
14 8 4 8 1 1
Selection process in progress
2 NAI Director General 1 Selection process in progress 3 AnSI Director 1 Amended R.Rs duly approved
by DoPT sent to Ministry of Law for vetting.
4 National Museum
Director General 1 Post advertised and the process to fill up the same is underway.
21
5 National Gallery of Modern Art
Director 2 Posts re-advertise with same modification suggested by UPSC.
6 National Library
Director-General 1 Recruitment Rules under process. Thereafter, action will be taken to fill up the vacancy
7 Central Reference Library
Librarian 1 Selection in process with the meeting of Search-cum-Selection Committee to be held shortly
8 SNA Secretary 1 Post advertised recently. 9 IGNCA Member-
Secretary 1 Selection process in progress.
10 Delhi Public Library
Director Approval for seeking revival of posts from DLB.
11 KhudaBakshOriental Public Library
Director 1 Selection in process with the proposal under consideration of ACC
12 Rampur RazaLibrary
Director 1 Selection in process
13 Nehru Memorial Museum &Library
Director 1 Age limit case was refer to PMO by DoPT. Necessary direction has been received from PMO and the same has been conveyed to NMML.
14 Indian Museum
Director 1 Selection process in progress.
15 Salarjung Museum
Director 1 Selection process in progress.
66. The Committee is disturbed to note the vacancies existing in the various organizations, especially at the higher level and at the level of Heads of the Organizations. The Committee time and again pointed out in its various Reports that this would adversely affect the functioning of these Organizations. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take time bound steps to ensure that the vacancies are filled up at the earliest. The Ministry should co-ordinate with UPSC and other concerned authorities to ensure that the bottlenecks in this regard are cleared.
National/Regional Schools of Drama 67. On the basis of the recommendations made by the Broad Based Committee for opening up of 5 regional centres across the country, NSD Society proposed to establish 5 regional centres one each at Kolkata, Mumbai/ Goa, J&K, North-East beside upgrading the existing Regional Resource Centre (RRC), Bengaluru to a full-fledged regional centre. These regional centres were to be established in consultation with the
22
concerned State Governments, who were required to provide accommodation for the purpose. Only the Government of Karnataka has allotted land for the purpose at Bengaluru. The Government of Maharashtra has also agreed in principle to provide accommodation and a plot of land for opening of NSD centre at Mumbai.
68. The Committee desires that the Ministry may take necessary steps to ensure that the regional centres of National School of Drama are set up at each of the places at the earliest by doing the needful in this regard. Getting required land in a city like Kolkata may not be possible due to obvious reasons. Since Kolkata has several cultural institutions under the Ministry of Culture, National School of Drama centre of Kolkata may be started from one of those premises until a land is found out there.
Plan assistance for State Akademis 69. The Ministry, in its written reply, has stated that budgetary constraints do not permit the Ministry to undertake any scheme of providing assistance to the State Akademis at present.
70. The Committee takes note of the sad situation in which the State Akademis are functioning. They are in dire need of funds. Therefore, the Committee desires that the Ministry may take up the matter of providing assistance to the State Akademis with the Ministry of Finance as well as the States, to provide some financial support to the State Akademis.
DTH Channel 71. The Ministry has informed the Committee that under Scheme of TV programming and other Media Publicity on Art & Culture, in view of the large perspective and ample dissemination of Ministry’s roles, activities, various programmes and activities, the existing Media Cell will be strengthened wherein all components of setting up DTH Channels including a production unit will be incorporated along with financial projections in 2016-17.
National Virtual Library of India 72. The Committee has been informed that the Ministry of Culture has constituted an Advisory Committee to advise on various issues related to the development of NVLI. The committee has held three meetings on 29.09.2015, 18.02.2016 and 24.02.2016. A meeting of Experts, Heads of Organizations and other stakeholders was also organized on 09.12.2015 to specify the scope of NVLI. The scope of the project has been redefined with significant enhancement in the activities and functional areas vis-a-vis the scope as was mentioned in the initial concept note. The Committee also observed that the scope of this project should be kept flexible for progressive additions of activities/modules and it has many R&D areas. In view of this, the Committee decided that this project should be undertaken in Action Research Mode through Government Organizations.
73. The Advisory Committee in its 2rd & 3rd meeting considered the project proposals received from various agencies in the field, for development and implementation of the NVLI. The project proposals were considered and it has been decided to develop and implement the project by Government Organizations such as IIT, Mumbai, CDAC, Pune, NIC, IGNOU and NKN with IIT, Mumbai being PI and other partnering organizations being Co_Pis. Ministry of Culture has released Rs. 7.50
23
crores to RRRLF for commencement of the project with signing of MoUs with the partnering organizations.
74. The creation of NVLI requires consultation with different experts in the field like domain experts of technology, infrastructure, library personnel, museum, achieve as well as different institutions including libraries. More than 34000 public libraries are available in India. Now it is being finalized in institutionalized project mode.
75. The Committee appreciates this initiative. The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure timely setting up of the National Virtual Library of India.
NML Model Libraries 76. State-wise details of District Libraries and State Central Libraries for development as Model Libraries under the National Mission on Libraries are given below: -
Sl. No.
State District Library
State Central Library
1 Andhra Pradesh 1 1 2 Arunachal Pradesh 1 1 3 Assam 2 - 4 Chhattisgarh 2 - 5 Goa 1 1 6 Gujarat - 1 7 Karnataka 1 1 8 Kerala - 1 9 Manipur 1 1 10 Mizoram 1 1 11 Odisha (Orissa) 1 1 12 Rajasthan 1 1 13 Tamil Nadu 2 - 14 Telangana 1 1 15 Tripura 1 1 16 Uttar Pradesh 1 1 17 West Bengal - 2 18 Puducherry (Pondicherry) 1 1 Total 18 16
77. The Ministry, in its reply, has stated that during 2016-17, it is proposed to set up 37 NML model libraries at State Central Libraries, 37 district libraries and other six public libraries under Ministry of Culture through up-gradation of existing infrastructure, modernization of service with ICT applications and to acquire reading resources to meet the needs of clientele.
Construction of Komagata Maru Memorial in Kolkata Port land area 78. As per the reply furnished by the Ministry, a tripartite MOU in connection with the construction of Komagata Maru Martyrs’ Memorial at Budge Budge was signed on 29th January, 2016 at Kolkata amongst Ministry of Culture, Kolkata Port Trust and
24
Komagata Maru Memorial Trust (KMMT). The Project Management Committee (PCM), as provided in the MoU, also had its 1st meeting on 29th January, 2016 and approved the lay out plan of the memorial. As per the MoU, it is the duty of the KMMT to get the drawings/plan approved from the Budge Budge Municipality. The KMMT is yet to submit the drawings/plan to Budge Budge Municipality. Once the drawings/plans are approved by the Municipality, tenders will be floated by the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT). After finalization of the lowest tender, the construction will start.
79. The Committee desires that the Ministry should pursue with the State Government and KMMT to get all the pre-requisites for the construction of the Komagata Maru Memorial done at the earliest. The Committee may be apprised about the development.
80. The Members of the Committee highlighted the need for proper maintenance and preservation of Kalibangan, Chittorgarh Fort and Taragarh Fort in Rajasthan; and Pedagonda, Karnataka.
81. The Committee recommends that the Ministry may expedite the conservation activities presently undertaken in the above cited places and also approach the concerned State Archaeology Departments for taking necessary steps for the preservation, maintenance etc. of the said monuments.
82. The Committee was informed that a large number of NGOs of Anantpur District of Andhra Pradesh which are getting financial assistance and grants are non-existent and bogus. The Committee desired that the matter may be investigated and necessary measures may be taken to weed out the bogus organizations and the Committee may be apprised about the investigation report.
83. The Secretary informed the Committee that large numbers of manuscripts are in private hands and they are sold at will due to sluggish enforcement mechanisms. These manuscripts need to be protected and conserved. The National Mission for Manuscript has the mandate of identifying, documenting, conserving and making accessible the manuscript heritage of India. The Committee was also informed that there are more than one lakh monuments which are unprotected.
84. The Committee observes that there should be adequate steps to preserve and protect the scriptures and manuscripts of cultural importance. The Committee also calls upon the Government to take measures to protect all the hitherto unprotected monuments in a phased manner.
25
OBSERVATIONS/CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS AT A GLANC E
Assessment of the Demands for Grants (2016-17) of the Ministry The Committee is happy to note that the Ministry has been allocated about 17.32% more than the budgetary provisions at RE (2015-16). The Committee hopes that the Ministry would be able to spend the allocation in a judicious manner.
(Para No. 8)
The Committee hopes that the restructured allocation will allow the Ministry freedom to allocate funds among the schemes and institutions clubbed within the group, as and when the need arises. The Committee emphasizes that the Ministry should ensure that such allocation will not affect the existing schemes/programmes of the Ministry.
(Para No. 12) Ministry’s projected demand vis-à-vis budgetary allocation The Committee notes that the Ministry was allocated only 58.22% of its projected Plan outlay. The Committee feels that in view of the various Schemes/Programmes/activities undertaken by the Ministry of Culture which are important in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the nation, such reduced allocation is not desirable. The Committee is of the opinion that in view of the requirements of the Ministry, more allocation should be made to the Ministry at the RE stage in the current financial year. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should pursue this matter with the Ministry of Finance at the highest level.
(Para No. 15) 12th Five Year Plan The Committee notes that the Ministry was able to spend more than 90% of its Plan allocation during the first three years of the 12th Plan. It also notes that BE allocations had consistently been reduced at RE stage, despite posting very good expenditure by the Ministry. It should be avoided in future.
(Para No. 18)
The Committee takes note of the steps taken by the Ministry to ensure optimum utilization of the allocation.
(Para No. 22)
The Committee observes that Rs. 10 lakhs has been surrendered under the head ‘Artists’ Pension Scheme’ during 2014-15. The Committee would like to know the reasons for the surrender. The Committee feels that this is an undesirable development as hundreds of artists and artisans are struggling to make a living. Surrendering pension funds, for whatever reasons, is unacceptable. The Ministry should have spent the entire allocation for the benefit of poor artisans and artists. The Committee hopes that the Ministry would take care that no such fund lapses.
(Para No. 23)
26
Archaeological Survey of India The Committee was informed that ASI has been allocated just Rs. 200 crores for conservation activities, which is grossly inadequate to meet the requirement for the purpose. The Committee recommends that ASI should be given adequate funds to undertake conservation activities at RE stage. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Culture should take up the matter with the Ministry of Finance.
(Para No. 25) Removal of encroachments in monuments The Committee appreciates the steps taken by ASI to protect and preserve the monuments and heritage sites of our country. The Committee desires that the Ministry may pursue the other State Governments also to setup the State level Co-ordination Committees.
(Para No. 28)
But the Committee feels in NCT of Delhi, lot of important monuments are still under encroachment with little chance of getting them removed. Zafar Mahal, for example, in Qutub area is on the verge of being demolished by encroachers and we are not able to do much about it. The Committee would like to have a status report on the monument.
(Para No. 29)
The Committee, although is not against the view that ASI can effectively fulfill its mandate if it has adequate statutory backing to remove and prevent encroachments, it, however, is of the considered opinion that it would not help to any great extent, until we are able to strike at the nexus between the unscrupulous elements and local authorities including the police, leaving ASI helpless in this regard. If the proposed amendment is for breaking the unholy nexus, the Committee would welcome this. The Committee hopes that the amendments proposed in the AMASR Act would equip ASI to execute its demolition orders and also that the Act would stipulate the action to be taken against the District Authorities in case of laxity or non- co-operation on their part in executing the demolition orders.
(Para No. 31)
The Committee welcomes such a step for the protection of the monuments and desires that the idea may be actively considered by the Government to transform it into reality. The Committee would like to know the opinion of Union Ministry of Home as well as the States on this.
(Para No. 33)
The Committee observes that such an online facility would enable the public as well as owners of the properties adjacent to the protected monuments to find out the exact prohibited and regulated area easily. This has also simplified the process of applying for permission to repair/ renovate/ construct. The Committee desires that wide publicity should be given to this facility in future. The Committee, however, would like to say that encroachments happen not because people are not aware of area restrictions under AMASR Act, but they have intention to do it and they do it with the connivance of local agencies/ authorities
27
who are aware of these restrictions. The Committee, however, feels it would be better to have such an App. rather than not having it at all.
(Para No. 36) Must See Portal The Committee appreciates this initiative. The Committee hopes that through the Portal, the public will come to know about more Indian monuments and sites which have heritage value.
(Para No. 38) Conservation portal for ASI works The Committee appreciates the work relating to conservation/ protection of our monuments and hopes that this Portal would prove to be an effective step in promoting and ensuring transparency in the conservation activities undertaken by ASI.
(Para No. 40) Adarsh Smarak The Committee takes note of the amenities that would be provided at the Adarsh Smarak monuments and desires that all the ASI monuments should be upgraded to the standards of the Adarsh Smarak in a phased manner.
(Para No. 43) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan The Committee hopes that ASI will engage the corporate sector in more such activities.
(Para No. 45) Contractual employees of ASI The Committee feels that this is total injustice and violation of all norms and practices laid down by various legislations. The Committee is disheartened to note that this anti-labour practice is being perpetuated by ASI, one of the premier Government institutions of the country. This Committee, therefore, recommends that the ASI and Ministry of Culture should take all possible steps to ensure that its contractual employees are paid decent wages alongwith adequate social security schemes and health coverage, until they are given permanent status.
(Para No. 47) E-ticketing The Committee feels that e-ticketing would ensure a hassle free entry to the visitors at the monuments, which would encourage more people to visit these monuments. The Committee desires that this facility should be made available in all the ASI ticketed monuments.
(Para No. 49) RFID tags and 3-D photography The Committee appreciates these initiatives.
(Para No. 52) Functioning of Akademis The Committee notes that some Institutions have taken action for implementation of the recommendations of the HPC. The Committee desires that the recommendations may be implemented by all the concerned cultural organizations without further delay. The Committee may be apprised of the action taken by the Institutions on a quarterly basis on the implementation of the recommendations of the High Powered Committee.
(Para No. 55)
28
The Committee endorses the view put forward by the Secretary, Ministry of Culture and desires that the Ministry should take effective steps to ensure the accountability of these Cultural Institutions without impairing their autonomy in any manner.
(Para No. 57) Cultural Mapping of India The Committee appreciates this initiative for talent hunting and hopes that when it materializes, it would enable the Ministry to create a data base of artists of varied forms of art and culture in the country. The Committee recommends that the Ministry may make a proposal for seeking involvement of village Panchayats for these activities and also seek for necessary funds at the RE stage of this financial year, from the Ministry of Finance for this purpose.
(Para No. 60) National Culture Fund The Committee feels that the National Culture Fund should be given more visibility and publicity so that it would attract t he participation of more corporates and other organizations. It would like to know the extent of participation of various Organisations to this Fund during the last 5 years.
(Para No. 63) Asiatic Society, Kolkata The Committee desires that the Ministry should undertake strict supervision and monitoring of the Asiatic Society of India to ensure that such irregularities do not happen and a report should be sent to the Committee after settlement of the existing Audit Para No. 3.1 of Report No.23 of 2013.
(Para No. 65) Vacancies in various Organizations under the Ministry The Committee is disturbed to note the vacancies existing in the various organizations, especially at the higher level and at the level of Heads of the Organizations. The Committee time and again pointed out in its various Reports that this would adversely affect the functioning of these Organizations. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take time bound steps to ensure that the vacancies are filled up at the earliest. The Ministry should co-ordinate with UPSC and other concerned authorities to ensure that the bottlenecks in this regard are cleared.
(Para No. 66) National/Regional Schools of Drama The Committee desires that the Ministry may take necessary steps to ensure that the regional centres of National School of Drama are set up at each of the places at the earliest by doing the needful in this regard. Getting required land in a city like Kolkata may not be possible due to obvious reasons. Since Kolkata has several cultural institutions under the Ministry of Culture, National School of Drama centre of Kolkata may be started from one of those premises until a land is found out there.
(Para No. 68) Plan assistance for State Akademis The Committee takes note of the sad situation in which the State Akademis are functioning. They are in dire need of funds. Therefore, the Committee desires
29
that the Ministry may take up the matter of providing assistance to the State Akademis with the Ministry of Finance as well as the States, to provide some financial support to the State Akademis.
(Para No. 70) National Virtual Library of India The Committee appreciates this initiative. The Committee desires that the Ministry should ensure timely setting up of the National Virtual Library of India.
(Para No. 75) Construction of Komagata Maru Memorial in Kolkata Port land area The Committee desires that the Ministry should pursue with the State Government and KMMT to get all the pre-requisites for the construction of the Komagata Maru Memorial done at the earliest. The Committee may be apprised about the development.
(Para No. 79) The Committee recommends that the Ministry may expedite the conservation activities presently undertaken in the above cited places and also approach the concerned State Archaeology Departments for taking necessary steps for the preservation, maintenance etc. of the said monuments.
(Para No. 81) The Committee desired that the matter may be investigated and necessary measures may be taken to weed out the bogus organizations and the Committee may be apprised about the investigation report.
(Para No. 82) The Committee observes that there should be adequate steps to preserve and protect the scriptures and manuscripts of cultural importance. The Committee also calls upon the Government to take measures to protect all the hitherto unprotected monuments in a phased manner.
(Para No. 84)
*****