(a) whether the Government is implementing any programme called National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) for preparing a National Register on Antiquities;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the salient features of NMMA; and
(c) the time by which the NMMA is likely to achieve its mission and the manner in which the National Register on Antiquities will be beneficial to the people in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) AND MINISTER OF STATE, CIVIL AVIATION (Dr. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. Govt. of India established National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) in 2007.
The Archeological Survey of India is the Nodal Agency to implement the objectives of the Mission across the country during the XII five year plan.
The salient features of NMMA are as under:
# Documentation and creation of suitable National database on built heritage and sites and antiquities for information and dissemination to planners, researchers, public etc. and for better management of such cultural resources.
# Documentation of all Antiquities in a uniform format developed by NMMA, that are available in different formats in the form of Registered Antiquities, Catalogued Antiquities etc with Central as well as State Governments, Private museums and Collections, Universities, etc.
# Promote awareness and sensitize people concerning the benefits of preserving the historical and cultural aspects of built heritage, sites and antiquities.
# Extend training facility/workshops to the concerned State Departments, NGOs, Universities, Museums etc.
# Help in developing synergy between institutions like Archaeological Survey of India, State Departments, concerned Institutions and NGOs to generate close interaction.
# Publication & Publicity.
(c) NMMA would achieve its mission as per targets set by Government from time to time.
The National Register on antiquities will be beneficial to the people in the country besides the planners, researchers etc. by providing the comprehensive documented data on uniform format online in due course of time on a common platform for reference and research for information of the people. It will also promote public awareness about the importance of documentation and preser- vation of our rich national tangible heritage.