(a) whether there is a high custom duty on Indian nationals buying back Indian Antiques from abroad and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has any plan to encourage bringing back of ancient Indian sculptures and artifacts from abroad; and
(c) If so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) AND MINISTER OF STATE, CIVIL AVIATION (Dr. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) No, Madam. Antiques in general attract basic customs duty of 10%. Moreover, Antiques intended for public exhibition in a public museum or national institution is exempted from basic customs duty
(b) & (c) Yes, Madam. Government of India is committed to bring back the Indian antiquities which have been illegally exported. As per records available, there are eleven cases of cultural properties illegally trafficked from India as at Annexure. Government has approached the foreign countries through the Missions abroad for their retrieval.