Government to preserve heritage sites & properties related to greater Assamese culture
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The Assam government has decided to bring legislation for carrying out the preservation of various heritage sites and properties related to the greater Assamese culture. This is the first time that such a process is being chalked out in this regard. The Department of Archeology, Government of Assam, has been given the responsibility to draft the legislation that is tentatively titled as the ‘Assam Heritage Preservation Bill’.
The purview of this proposed legislation will include the following: Notified ancient monuments under the Archaeology Department and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI); Any other monuments that have not yet been notified; xattras; temples and other places of worship; as well as heritage properties including coins, copper plaques (tamrapatra), and ‘sanchipat’ manuscripts prepared from the bark of Agar tree among others.
Talking to The Sentinel, State Archaeology Minister Keshab Mahanta said, “The Bill is under active consideration of the government. The last Cabinet meeting on December 21 had already deliberated on the significance of this Bill. We will try to place the Bill before the Assembly during the Budget session in 2020.”
A preliminary meeting presided over by the Archaeology Minister was recently held to discuss various aspects of the draft Bill. Among those present were representatives of the Directorate of Archaeology, the Directorate of Museum, and the Department of Historical and Antiquarian Studies under the State Education Department. The Minister will also have discussions on the proposed legislation with various stakeholders including representatives of xattras and the priestly class.