'More than funds, we need experts'

The Archaeological Survey of India does need more money to protect and restore monuments under its care. But more than that, it needs experts on its rolls. ASI director general Dr Gautam Sengupta shares his concerns with Ashpreet Sethi.

Has ASI’s Delhi circle been allocated Rs 10.5 crore this year for the upkeep of protected monuments? How is the fund divided?

There has been no official confirmation about the fund allocation by the ministry of culture yet. The news report you are referring to is false. The money is allocated for the upkeep of monuments and is divided into plan and non-plan funds for conservation and providing civic amenities at the  monuments, but does not include officers' salaries.

Are the funds provided by the ministry adequate for conservation and upkeep of 174 protected monuments in Delhi?

Let me put it this way: More than funds, we require more people as there is a manpower crunch across ASI circles in the country. We need experienced archaeologists who can work with us as we are expanding our work pool. Funds have been an area of concern but we cannot do much till we are able to bring in more people. The ASI is so short staffed that it is impossible for us to cater to the need of upkeep of all monuments.

Have you approached the ministry of culture to negotiate funds and increase the manpower?

We have done our bit. Every year there is a substantial increase in the funds as the bulk of our work is increasing and we are widening our work horizon to new fields of operations. All this requires more money.

Is the ASI planning to bring in a new policy for conservation of monuments?

Yes we have formed a draft of a new policy which will be called National Policy on Conservation of Monuments, which is yet to be finalised but is doing the rounds for confirmation.

The policy will focus on resolving issues related to authenticity and integrity of monuments, and to what extent one can restore a monument in terms of the use of materials. It will take time to get the final nod for this policy.

Is the ASI planning to add more names to the list of protected monuments?

We have decided to add one structure from Mizoram which has heritage value, as the state does not feature on ASI's list of areas for protection of monuments. But nothing has been decided about Delhi as of now.

In a bid to preserve heritage structures in Gujarat which are not being taken care of, Gujarat government has decided to come out with a policy for privatisation of heritage structures. Do you feel the need to do the same for Delhi?

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