(a) whether the proposed National Authority/Competent Authorities under the Ancient Monuments
and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) (AMASR) Act, 2010, have
been constituted;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is any provision in the Act for constitution of such an authority at Tehsil and Block
levels;
(d) If so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, whether the proposed national authority would be within reach of the poor people?
MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND
MINISTER OF CULTURE (KUMARI SELJA)
(a) and (b) National Monuments Authority (NMA) has been constituted and 26 Competent
Authorities in almost all the states, have been appointed as per the provisions of
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation)
Act, 2010.`
(c) to (e) There is no such provision in the amended Act to constitute such an authority at
Tehsil and Block levels. However, the Competent Authorities appointed by the Government
have been entrusted the work of receiving of applications from the individuals, government
agencies, etc., who intend to construct / reconstruct / repair / renovate their properties
in the buffer zone of any centrally protected monument/site. The Competent Authorities
after getting the field report and with his recommendation forwarded the NOC applications
to the NMA for its consideration. In addition, Competent Authorities have been delegated
powers to dispose off NOC applications for repairs and renovation in regulated area. As
such the authority is within the reach of the concerned people.