(a) whether the Government has commenced work on Phase-II of Ajanta-Ellora scheme;
(b) If so, whether some Advisors have been appointed for the purpose;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether any agreement regarding maintenance of old paintings of Ajanta and Ellora has been signed between India and Italy;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the basis of agreement reached in this regard between the two countries?
MINISTER FOR INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND CULTURE (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)
(a) Yes, Sir. ASI has commenced work on Phase-II of Ajanta-Ellora scheme.
(b) & (c) Ministry of Tourism and Govt. of India have appointed the Association of Pacific Consultants International (PCI) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as Project Management Consultants for Ajanta Ellora conservation and Tourism Development Project (Phase II).
(d) Yes, Sir. An MoU for the conservation of paintings of the Ajanta and Ellora caves has been signed on February 14, 2005 between India and Italy.
(e) & (f) After the initial visit of Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities to India in January, 2003 a team of Italian experts visited the Ajanta & Ellora Caves in January, 2005. Based on the proposal of Italian Government, an MoU has been signed between Italy and India on Cooperation for the Conservation of the Paintings of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in February 2005.