(a) Whether various posts in Government museums situated near archaeologically important excavation sites are lying vacant;
(b) If so, the details thereof and reasons therefor;
(c) the time by which the said vacant posts are likely to be filled up; and
9d) the steps taken by the Government to protect and preserve the remains of archeological importance?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) Yes, Madam. Some of the posts are lying vacant.
(b) & (c) The museums of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are manned by officers and staff in the categories of Deputy Superintending Archaeologists (Dy.SA), Assistant Superintending Archaeologist (ASA), Assistant Archaeologists (AA) and Multi Tasking Staff (MTS). The posts of Dy.SA and ASA are filled up presently. Recently on the recommendations of Staff Selection Commission (SSC), offers of appointments to 7 candidates against the posts of AA in the Museums have been issued. Further, SSC has been approached to fill up the vacancies of MTS in the museums.
(d) Steps taken for protection and preservation of centrally protected monuments and sites under ASI includes deployment of Multi Tasking Staff, private security Guards engaged through outsourcing and CISF for watch & ward besides taking up conservation measures as per requirement and priority.