Culture Ministrys Lackluster Response to Untraceable Monuments Report Draws Criticism

The Union Ministry of Cultures handling of a parliamentary panel report on untraceable monuments has come under scrutiny, with concerns raised about the ministrys seriousness in addressing critical issues. The ministry provided action taken notes on only 21 out of 35 recommendations, prompting criticism from the committee.

In a concerning development, the Union Ministry of Culture has only managed to provide action taken notes on a mere 21 out of the 35 recommendations made in a parliamentary panel report pertaining to untraceable monuments, as revealed in an official statement issued on Friday.

Parliamentary Panel's Disappointment

The department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture expressed deep concern and disappointment over the ministry's apparent lack of seriousness in addressing critical issues highlighted in the panel's recommendations. The report titled "Issues relating to Untraceable Monuments and Protection of Monuments in India" was presented in both Houses of Parliament on Friday, as per the statement issued by the Rajya Sabha secretariat.

Recommendations for Monument Identification and Classification

The committee reiterated the urgent need for the ministry and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a time-bound survey to identify monuments on a priority basis. It also emphasized the importance of providing details and criteria for the classification of monuments to the committee. The committee further recommended that the survey results, including expenditure incurred on monuments and details of problems in and around them, should be made publicly available.

Collaboration with State Governments

Recognizing that many of the untraceable monuments fall under the jurisdiction of state governments, the parliamentary panel recommended that the Ministry of Culture work in coordination with the states to take necessary action. The report was forwarded to the Ministry of Culture for appropriate action on June 15, 2022.

Ministry's Delayed Response

Despite the stipulated three-month period for an interim reply, the ministry failed to respond. Multiple reminders issued by the Secretariat throughout 2022 and 2023 also went unanswered. It was only on October 4, 2023, after a delay of over a year, that the ministry provided action taken notes on 21 out of the 35 recommendations.

Undermining Trust and Credibility

The committee expressed its displeasure, stating that disregarding or trivializing its views undermines the trust, credibility, and seriousness of the ministry. The lack of prompt and comprehensive action on the recommendations raises concerns about the ministry's commitment to preserving and protecting India's cultural heritage.

The Ministry of Culture's tardy response to the parliamentary panel's report on untraceable monuments is a matter of grave concern. The ministry's failure to take the recommendations seriously not only hampers efforts to safeguard India's cultural heritage but also erodes the trust and credibility of the institution. It is imperative that the ministry takes immediate and effective action to address the issues raised in the report and demonstrate its commitment to preserving the nation's rich cultural legacy.